Mrs. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of African growers of coffee in Kenya and how much they produced in the latest convenient period; what limitations are placed upon African growers; what price differentiation exists as between African and European growers for coffee of comparable quality; how far African growers are obliged to sell to the Kenya Coffee Marketing Board; what representation they have on that board; and what assistance they receive from its funds.
§ Mr. Lyttelton, pursuant to his reply [OFFICIAL REPORT, 17th December, 1952; Vol. 509, c. 216–7], supplied the following information:
At 30th June, 1952, there were 10,609 African growers. The value of their crop in 1950 was estimated at £70,700. In African land units coffee may be grown only in areas considered suitable by the Department of Agriculture, and the Director of Agriculture may stipulate that the coffee must be grown under certain conditions that are considered necessary for successful production. New European plantations are also subject to the 195W approval of the Department. There is no price differentiation between comparable products of Africans and Europeans.Both African and European parchment coffee must be marketed through the Kenya Coffee Marketing Board, and precautions are taken so that buyers and graders are unaware of the origin of particular lots. Africans have no direct representation on the Board, but there are two members appointed by the Governor.Africans benefit equally with Europeans from the Board's success in promoting the welfare of the industry. They participate in contracts on an equal footing and share the advantages of marketing facilities which are highly developed.