HC Deb 19 December 1961 vol 651 c1104
2. Mr. Turner

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the tonnage of copra exported from North Borneo ports during the first eleven months of 1960 and 1961, respectively.

Mr. Maudling

The figures are 72,654 and 59,500.

Mr. Turner

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in 1960, the copra imports to North Borneo amounted to 61 per cent. of the total exports of copra from the Colony and that this was 22 per cent. of the total export trade of North Borneo, whereas if my mathematics are correct, the corresponding figure is something like 15 per cent. on a smaller total export trade? Does not this indicate a deplorable state of affairs owing to piracy in the East Borneo seas?

Mr. Maudling

Piracy is one factor, but the fluctuations in the market price of copra are another and, possibly, more important factor.

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