§ 35. Mr. Russellasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that, owing to the breakdown of recently imported locomotives on the Nigerian railways, stocks of groundnuts are again 1285 accumulating at Kano: and what steps he proposes to remedy the situation.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsYes, Sir. Action is being taken in consultation with the manufacturers to restore the locomotives to service with the least possible delay. Any substantial accumulation of stocks at Kano should only be temporary since, owing to bad weather, this year's crop of groundnuts is, unfortunately, small.
§ Mr. RussellIn view of the well-known shortage of groundnuts, is it not rather fantastic that even the smallest stock should be allowed to accumulate?
§ Mr. GriffithsIt is indeed regrettable, and we are doing our very best to speed up these repairs.
§ Mr. SorensenWhat was the cause of the breakdown? Were the locomotives imported from this country?
§ Mr. GriffithsPerhaps my hon. Friend will put down a Question.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIn view of the fact that they will no longer be needed on the Government Groundnut Scheme in East Africa, would it be possible to transfer the locomotives to West Africa, to help private enterprise?
§ Mr. GriffithsI could not answer that without previous notice.
§ Mr. AlportCan the Minister say whether the breakdown of the locomotives was due to the poor quality of Nigerian coal, a great deal of which we are now to import into this country?
§ Mr. W. FletcherDoes not the Minister remember the great loss which took place in accumulated stocks at Kano two years ago owing to attack by weevil? How does he explain this repetition, even though on a smaller scale, in exactly the same circumstances, due to lack of railway materials?
§ Mr. GriffithsI appreciate that, and we are giving this matter earnest consideration. It is very regrettable that stocks should be allowed to accumulate.
§ 36. Mr. Russellasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to the traffic in groundnuts between Nigeria and neighbouring French territory owing to the higher prices obtainable there: and what steps he proposes to stop this traffic.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThere is no reliable evidence that there has been any significant movement of groundnuts across the border from Nigeria. I understand that the French buying season has now closed
§ Mr. RussellEven if there had been any at all does it not show up the artificial situation created by Government control of prices and trading in this way?