HC Deb 26 November 1952 vol 508 cc55-6W
78. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what further steps are being taken to combat swollen shoot disease in West Africa; what proportion of diseased trees have now been cut down in the Gold Coast and Nigeria; what is the estimated rise or fall in production of cocoa during the next five years compared with the past five years; and what increase in the price paid to farmers is contemplated.

Mr. Lyttelton

In Nigeria cutting out has continued steadily and over 1½ million out of about 6¼ million affected trees have now been cut out. In the Gold Coast cutting out is again proceeding vigorously and over 15 million out of an estimated total of 40 million affected trees have been cut out. It seems likely that production will be maintained at least at current levels over the next five years.

Prices paid to farmers are fixed each season before crops are marketed and are not normally altered during the season.

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