HC Deb 18 April 1951 vol 486 cc1800-1
6. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in the development of the Cooperative movement in Nigeria and in the issuing of explanatory literature in the vernacular.

Mr. Dugdale

The movement is developing steadily. I will, with permission, circulate some figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT. My right hon. Friend has asked the Governor about the issue of vernacular literature and will write to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Dodds

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at a recent annual Co-operative conference a unanimous decision was taken that the movement should provide teams of administrators for Nigeria and for backward countries, and that they are very anxious to help to create a higher standard of living?

Mr. Dugdale

I am glad to hear that; in fact, the movement's progress has been exceedingly satisfactory.

Following are the figures:

1945 1950
Number of societies of all kinds. 580 1,092
Number of consumer societies. 7 38
Share capital paid up £7,000 £45,000
Deposits £7,000 £72,000
Value of produce marketed through societies. £361,000 £1,160,000
Loans granted through societies. £25,000 £141,000