§ 38. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in respect of the improvement of quality and the sale of West African groundnuts; and to what extent plans for the expansion of groundnut cultivation have been implemented.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsAn expert visited West Africa last year to study ways of improving the quality of groundnuts by preventing deterioration in store. He has now returned to Nigeria with a team of chemists to carry out large scale experiments. The sale of groundnuts will be put into the hands of local marketing boards as soon as possible. A representative of the West African Produce Control Board is now in West Africa advising on the technical problems involved. Apart from a possible further expansion of peasant production, I am now considering, in consultation with the local Governments, the recommendations of the West African Oilseeds Mission which will be published before the end of the month. These envisage increased groundnut cultivation on a mechanised basis. Soil and water surveys of suitable areas have already been made.
§ Mr. SorensenIs there any store of groundnuts undisposed of in West Africa? If so, for how long has it been there? Can it be used in some way in the near future?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsVery large stores have been accumulated at Kano. According to my last information, we have 280,000 tons awaiting transit; and there are about 50,000 tons in Gambia, which will be moved in a short time. The reason for our inability to move a large quantity of groundnuts as quickly as we should like from Kano is the shortage of rolling stock on the railway. We are dealing with that situation. I think 20 engines are now on the way.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydCan the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that rolling stock is not diverted from West Africa to East Africa, because it is desperately needed for the existing requirements?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI can give that assurance.
§ Mr. A. Edward DaviesWill it not have a very depressing effect upon producers if they see these continuing accumulations without any hope of their disposal? Is it not a waste of time to talk about expansion of cultivation in such circumstances?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsAccumulation only arises during the season, and when the season is over the groundnuts rapidly decrease in store. We are tackling this matter with great energy, and are getting the engines and wagons out there. The difficulty has arisen because of the war.
§ Mr. BossomCan the hon. Gentleman say whether there is a full complement of the chemists needed?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsWe have sent a team out. I have not heard any more.
§ Mr. SorensenCan we take it that as much attention is given to the extension of this industry in West Africa as is being given to it in East Africa?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsYes, certainly.