§ 83. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in the elimination of diseased cocoa trees in the Gold Coast and in the improvement of the quantity and quality of production; and what changes in the price to the producer are contemplated.
§ Mr. HopkinsonIn the period 1st April, 1953–31st March, 1954, 8,634,615 trees were cut out. As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for Wembley, South (Mr. Russell) on 21st July, measures to increase production are being taken, and these include the issue of new high-yielding varieties. As regards quality, the object must be to maintain the traditional West African flavour, which is that desired by the manufacturers. The producer price for next season has not yet been announced by the Cocoa Marketing Board.