§ Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to report on the proposed developments for the sugar industry in Tanganyika.
101W
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydFrom estimates available it appears possible that, in a few years, production in Tanganyika might come to exceed rising internal consumption. The Tanganyika Government have recently published the following proposals for consideration by the Legislative Council:
- (a) Continuation for the time being of the present arrangements for:
- (i) Bulk buying by Government of such imports of sugar as are required to meet consumer requirements;
- (ii) fixing maximum selling prices ex-factory for locally manufactured sugar, subject to satisfactory quality standards. With effect from 1st January, 1960, however, maximum prices for "mill-white" sugar will be fixed by reference to the mean between the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement negotiated price as at present adjusted in East Africa and an "average world price" based on the average price over six-monthly periods for British refined sugar landed in East Africa;
- (iii) averaging of the cost of local and imported sugar; and
- (iv) controlling the price of sugar on first sale within the territory.
- (b) Termination of these arrangements at about the time self-sufficiency is in sight, subject to such protective measures as may then appear to be necessary to give adequate protection to local producers.
- (c) Introduction of such legislation as may be necessary to comply with any international export obligations current if when it appears that exports of sugar overseas from Tanganyika are imminent.