HC Deb 09 December 1953 vol 521 cc232-3W
82. Mrs. White

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the decisions of the Nigerian and Gold Coast Cocoa Marketing Boards, in regard to the selling price of cocoa, the price paid to the producer and the allocation and rate of expenditure of their reserve funds are subject to control by Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Lyttelton

The powers of the Nigerian and Gold Coast Cocoa Marketing Boards are conferred by local legislation, and Her Majesty's Government exercises no control over the decisions to which the hon. Lady refers.

The Nigerian Board has the power to fix prices paid for cocoa and in general to use its funds for the promotion of the economic prosperity of the producers and areas of production. The Gold Coast Board has similar powers, but its decisions on prices require the prior approval of the Governor-in-Council, and the Governor-in-Council may, through the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Mines, give directions of a general character, and in particular may direct the Board on the use and management of its funds