HC Deb 29 June 1955 vol 543 cc398-9
47. Mr. Coldrick

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the effect on the Gold Coast Co-operative Marketing Association of the setting up of the Cocoa Purchasing Company by the Gold Coast Cocoa Marketing Board; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am informed by the Gold Coast Government that it is too early yet to determine what effect, if any, the setting up of the Cocoa Purchasing Company has had on the Gold Coast Cooperative Marketing Association. The company has been in operation for two years, during which the association rose from second to first place and the company from fifth to third place among the licensed buying agents of the Cocoa Marketing Board as regards the tonnage of cocoa purchased.

Mr. Coldrick

Is not there something ironical in a situation in which the Colonial Office, together with other agencies, is doing everything possible to develop co-operative movements on the Gold Coast, and the Gold Coast itself is deliberately setting up subsidiaries of this marketing board in order to frustrate co-operative development? Could not the Minister take some action to get a co-ordinated policy?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The hon. Gentleman is a much valued member of my advisory committee on co-operation in the Colonies, and I think that he knows very well the limits of the United Kingdom Minister's powers in matters of this kind. Both the Cocoa Purchasing Company and the Co-operative Marketing Association are approved agents of the Cocoa Marketing Board. The observations of the hon. Gentleman suggesting that one body has been set up with the deliberate intention of sabotaging the other will, no doubt, he noted by the Government of the Gold Coast.

Mr. J. Griffiths

While recognising that this is a matter which falls under the jurisdiction of the Gold Coast Government, may I ask whether the Secretary of State can indicate to them that, from our general experience in other Colonies, it is very desirable that they should give every possible encouragement to the growth of the co-operative movement in all its aspects?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am always ready to do that in general terms.