§ Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the amount of profits, and how distributed, from sales of Government controlled Sierra Leone ginger since the introduction of control of this produce?
§ Colonel StanleyI have no information as to the exact profit realised by the Sierra Leone Government on the sale of ginger to the Ministry of Food in 1942 which was the first year of control, but it appears910W that the profit was about £14,000. The Governor intended to retain this sum for the ultimate benefit of the producers, primarily by maintaining the price to be paid in future years. During the current year the price paid to the grower has been increased to 4d. a lb. with the resulting elimination of any profit by the Sierra Leone Government. As far as I am aware it has not, therefore, been necessary so far for any expenditure to be incurred from the profits realised in 1942, but I am making inquiries in the matter and will communicate with my hon. Friend.