§ 38. Mr. N. Pannellasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what information he has about the production of synthetic cocoa butter; and what effect this is likely to have on the cocoa industry in the Colonies.
§ Mr. ProfumoOther fats have been used in limited quantities as substitutes for cocoa butter for many years. It is not possible to forecast developments in this sphere, but I am told that there is no present evidence that they are likely to have a significant effect on the cocoa industry in the Colonies.
§ Mr. PannellWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether any organisation under his control has conducted an analytical test of this synthetic butter in order to ascertain its quality and whether it would prove a threat to the natural cocoa industry?
§ Mr. ProfumoNo organisation of my Department has done so, but the commercial interests are constantly doing so.
§ Mr. BrockwayIn view of the fact that within the last few hours Soviet Russia has placed a large order in Ghana for cocoa, will the hon. Gentleman take steps to see that our trade relations are expanded so that this market may not be lost to this country?
§ Mr. ProfumoI do not think that arises from the Question on the Paper.