§ 28. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the estimated present production of groundnuts in Nigeria; to what extent is transport of groundnuts to the coast now meeting the need; and what improved methods of production have been adopted during the past year.
Mr. Creech JonesPurchases for export from the 1948–49 crop amounted to 328,000 tons. It is too early to give any figure of the quantity which will be available from the 1949–50 crop, but it is thought that the quantity will be less than this. Monthly railings of groundnuts have increased from about 23,000 tons in April to about 40,000 in October. During the 1948–49 season, groundnuts of improved strains were distributed for sowing, and artificial fertilisers were introduced.
§ Mr. SorensenHas my right hon. Friend really answered the second part 385 of my Question, regarding transport? He knows that there was some difficulty in the past. Is that being overcome now?
Mr. Creech JonesYes, Sir. I have pointed out that, since April, railings have increased from 23,000 tons to 40,000 tons a month, and right throughout the period there has been a very marked increase in the amount carried by transport.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes that mean that there are no great stacks now in Northern Nigeria?
§ Air-Commodore HarveyDid the auditors approve the accounts without comment?