§ Mr. J. Morrisonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give an estimate of the total tonnage of nuts grown in West Africa in 1945 and the distribution in tons to the various importing countries concerned.
§ Mr. George HallI assume that the hon. Member refers to West African groundnuts. The following figures show the latest position in respect of the 1945West African groundnut crop
Tons. (1) Purchases for export 330,000 (2) Shipments to 6th July, 1946. United Kingdom 147,556 Canada 17,531 Norway 4,771 Denmark 5,755 Holland 8,256 Belgium 776 Total 181,645 (3) Stocks on hand in West Africa on 6th July. 1946 145,355 These figures, which have been converted into decorticated weight where necessary, relate only to groundnuts 193W bought for export. There is a considerable local consumption of this foodstuff in West Africa of which no figures are available. Unshipped stocks will be delivered to overseas buyers in accordance with allocations arranged by the International Emergency Food Council.