HC Deb 09 February 1949 vol 461 cc56-7W
66. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Government of Mauritius imported a large stock of pulses to the value of about 400,000 rupees; that these supplies have proved unsaleable because they are unfit for human consumption; and what loss does the Government expect to make on the transaction.

Mr. Rees-Williams

Between March/July, 1948, 985 tons of dhall, which is in demand by the Indo-Mauritian population, were ordered by the Government of Mauritius. Soon after its arrival a large quantity of yellow split peas was imported by the trade and sold at a lower price. Consequently, the dhall sold slowly, but not because it was unfit—;indeed, a recent inspection of what is left shows it as fit for human consumption. The Government of Mauritius has now reduced the price. The subsidy will amount to Rs.150,000.