§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the progress in the Gold Coast of the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment since its initiation up to the latest convenient date and of the organisation of consumer co-operation at the wholesale and retail level.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe difficulties in the way of consumer co-operation remain as described in my reply to the hon. Member for Bristol, North-East (Mr. Coldrick) on 29th June. I understand that the report on the investigation into the affairs of the Co-operative Wholesale Establishment, which was to be made available for public inspection in the Gold Coast on the 1st December, discloses a history of irregularities, inefficiency and misguided trading policies. I also understand that civil and criminal proceedings have been taken against certain persons.