§ 30. Sir R. Aclandasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the recent trend in the cost of living in West Africa; what measures he proposes to prevent future increases; and, in particular, whether he will take steps to 2076 ensure that shippers pass on to consumers the benefit of the substantial refunds made to them by West African Conference shipping lines from out of the surcharges paid by shippers to the shipping lines last year.
§ Mr. LytteltonComplete indices are not available, but the recent trend has been downwards in Nigeria and the Gold Coast and slightly upwards elsewhere. I am asking the West African Governments what measures they propose for controlling future increases and will draw their attention to the suggestion in the last part of the Question.
§ Sir R. AclandShould it not be borne in mind both by us and by the West African Governments that between us, geographically speaking, there is this West African Conference organisation, which is a privately-owned transport monopoly upon which the present Government ought not to look too favourably? Ought not its affairs to be fully investigated, and should it not be broken up or brought under public control?
§ Mr. LytteltonThose are matters for the Governments out there. I shall draw their attention to the suggestion made by the hon. Baronet.