§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Prime Minister whether the policy of earmarking, in the interests of the British manufacturers, the major proportion of raw produce from the Dependencies for the manufacture, of margarine and cattle cake has been decided upon by the Government without the sanction of Parliament; and whether monopoly control of the raw produce of the Dependencies is now to be regarded as an integral part of Government policy?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. It is presumed that the Noble Lord is referring to the control of palm kernels, ground nuts and copra which has teen suggested in the West African Colonies. That control is purely temporary, is designed to ensure an adequate supply of food for the people of this country, and is not suggested in the interests of any particular body. No monopoly is involved since certain proportions of the commodities specified are to be permitted to go to any destination.