Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is satisfied that there is an adequate supply of salt available for the people of West Africa; whether there is an effective control over its import in West Africa; and whether the supply can be, made only from the pool of salt manufacturers in this country?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanThe supply of salt to West Africa has improved considerably in recent months, and I am satisfied that stocks at present available and in transit are sufficient to meet the current needs of the respective colonies. I am kept fully advised at regular intervals regarding the stock available, and the position is under constant review. Adequate steps are taken by the local authorities to control imports. As regards the last part of the Question, supplies are obtained from time to time from the most convenient source and not only from the United Kingdom, and the possibility of increasing local production is also being examined.