§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the production of groundnuts in West Africa is securing speedy sale and shipment, what is the amount that is awaiting disposal at the present time, and what further steps are being taken in respect of future development of this industry in West Africa.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsAll groundnuts offered for sale in West Africa are bought promptly by the West African Produce Control Board. There is no hold-up in ocean shipment but delay in movement to port is caused by shortage of equipment on the Nigerian Railways. Difficulties have been aggravated by the exceptionally368W large crops of the last two years. There are now about 290,000 tons of groundnuts in store in Northern Nigeria but this is a period of the year when stocks are normally high since purchases from the new crop are at a peak. Stocks in the Gambia, where no evacuation problem arises, are about 50,000 tons, all from the new crop. The report of a Mission which has recently investigated the possibility of largescale mechanised cultivation in West Africa is now being printed and I am in communication with the Governors about it. I hope to make a statement when the report is published before the Easter Recess.