§ Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many pioneer palm oil mills have been established in Nigeria; how much of the cost has been incurred by the Department of Commerce and Industries; how many of the mills have been transferred to private enterprise; and on what terms.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsA year ago there were 12 pioneer oil palm mills in operation in Nigeria, seven of which were operated by the Department of Commerce and Industries, two by private individuals, and336W three by the Cameroons Development Corporation. A further nine mills were under construction, six to be operated by the Department of Commerce and Industries and three for private owners.
The contract of sale to private owners includes a clause providing for the continued supervision of the mill by the Department of Commerce and Industries and making it obligatory on the owner of the mill to carry out such repairs and maintenance as may be recommended by the inspecting staff. The scheme for the establishment of these mills is financed from the funds of regional development boards and regional production development boards. I have asked the Governor for further information and will write to my hon. Friend when it is received.