HC Deb 15 March 1950 vol 472 cc1060-1
7. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken, or are contemplated, to act on the recommendation in the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the disturbances in Uganda during April, 1949, paragraph 483, that a more liberal price be fixed for the produce of the cotton growers.

14. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will give an assurance that the prices offered by the Cotton Price Assistance Fund and the Coffee Price Assistance Fund to the African growers will be more liberal in the future, as suggested in the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the disturbances in Uganda.

Mr. J. Dugdale

I would invite attention to the memorandum issued by the Uganda Government on the Commission's Report, which contains, in paragraphs 37–43, a full statement of the Government's policy regarding prices. I am sending each of my hon. Friends a copy of the memorandum and I am having a copy placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Brockway

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the prices which the growers get for this cotton is only a fraction of price after it is in, and is a still smaller fraction of the export price? Will he encourage their desire for the co-operative organisation of both prices?

Mr. Dugdale

Certainly; my right hon. Friend will look into this matter and see what can be done to help them.

Mr. Rankin

Will my right hon. Friend also bear in mind that since November, 1948, the value of the Cotton Price Assistance Fund alone has more than doubled, and now stands at nearly £7 million? As the day when it may be of use to the growers seems to be getting progressively more remote, and as this is causing discontent will he keep that point in mind?

13. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action has been taken on the recommendation of the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the disturbances in Uganda to include an increased number of educated Africans in the Lukiko.

Mr. J. Dugdale

I would refer my hon. Friend to paragraph 8 of the Government of Uganda's memorandum on this report, of which I am sending him a copy.

15. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the establishment of a land bank, or a credit and savings bank, is being pushed forward with all speed, in view of the recommendations in the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the disturbances in Uganda.

Mr. J. Dugdale

Yes, Sir.