§ Sir R. Glynasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present tonnage of groundnuts now lying awaiting transport at Kano; what is the daily rate of despatch to the coast by rail; how many tons of last season's crop are as yet not moved; what is the anticipated tonnage of the new season's crop; what is the price fixed for the producer delivered at rail head; and how does this compare with the price paid last year.
Mr. Creech JonesThere are some 135,000 tons of 1947–48 crop groundnuts at Kano and other railing points in Northern Nigeria. In addition, up to 18th November, 68,500 tons of the 1948–49 crop had been purchased. The present average daily rate of railings, including groundnuts from French territory, is about 1,000 tons. The 1948–49 crop in Northern Nigeria is estimated at 350,000 tons. The price to the producer is £19 4s. per ton naked ex scale at railway buying stations, as compared with £16 for the 1947–48 crop.