§ Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the barter system of trade obtains in Sierra Leone; in what circumstances police are authorised to seize the general products of the country whether the producer is present or not; what is the form of receipt left in payment for goods which can later be used for exchange purposes; and whether he is aware that a considerable unrest is resulting in the Colony from this system?
§ Colonel StanleyIn order to stimulate the production of certain essential imports, and also essential foodstuffs for local use, a system has been introduced in Sierra Leone whereby the receipt of merchandise by producers is made dependent on their offering produce for sale. Producers are not forced to accept payment in merchandise, but entitled to receive it up to 75 per cent. of the value of the produce which they tender. The object of the system is to secure that, at a time when purchasing power is relatively abundant, and merchandise scarce, the producer gets his fair share of it. I append a statement giving further details of this arrangement which includes the answers to the second, third and fourth parts of the Question.
985WFollowing is the statement:
The so-called "barter system" constitutes an attempt by the Sierra Leone Government to ensure an equitable distribution of the merchandise which can be imported into the territory, supplies being much below normal and the demand much above it. It does not cover all merchandise, but is limited to cotton textiles and certain other articles which play an important part in the economic life of the people. The system has now been in operation for some five months and a number of defects has been removed. A close watch is kept on its operation by the Sierra Leone supply authorities in order to guard against abuses, and in particular there has been a drive leading, to convictions for exceeding controlled prices. I had an opportunity of discussing the matter during my recent visit to West Africa, and explaining the importance of the relationship of consumer goods in general world short supply and the production of commodities urgently required for the war effort.
Some 80 per cent. of the merchandise going into the Protectorate is allocated for distribution to the producers of essential commodities, and the remainder reserved for distribution to non-producers (who of course include wage-earners of all kinds) through the normal retail trade. All produce is paid for on the spot, either in cash, or, at the option of the customer, to the extent of 75 per cent. of its value in merchandise. No system of negotiable receipts is now in use. Such a system was in force earlier in the year, in connection with the purchase of cattle, when supplies of merchandise were temporarily very short, but it was discontinued in June. With regard to the second part of the Question, the Police are not authorised to seize produce. With regard to the final part of the Question, the Governor reports that there are no indications of any unrest as a result of the system, which has unquestionably
986W
Name of Society. Registration Authority. St. David's Diocesan Moral Welfare Committee, 2, Wellfield Road, Carmarthen. Carmarthenshire County Council Cornwall Social and Moral Welfare Association, Truro, Cornwall Cornwall County Council. St. Alban's Diocesan Association for Girls' Aid, 12, St. John's Road, Watford, Herts. Herts, County Council. National Children's Adoption Association, 71, Knightsbridge, London, S.W.1. London County Council. National Adoption Society, 4, Baker Street, London, W.1. London County Council. Southwark Catholic Rescue Society, 59, Westminster Bridge Road, London, S.E.1. London County Council. Crusade of Rescue, 27, Tavistock Place London W.C.1 London County Council. improved the distribution of consumer goods in the producing areas, and so served as an incentive to the maintenance of the production of essential commodities for local consumption and for export.