HC Deb 16 June 1961 vol 642 c80W
Mr. Turner

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the average monthly imports of copra through North Borneo east coast ports during the years 1958, 1959 and 1960, respectively; and what are the individual monthly figures for 1961 to date.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The average monthly imports of copra through North Borneo east coast ports in 1958, 1959 and 1960 respectively, were (in tons) 4,000, 3,300, 4,100.

Monthly imports from January to May, 1961, inclusive were (in tons) 1,735, 2,260, 2,255, 1,762, 2,394 (provisional).

The fall in imports in 1961 is largely due to the diversion of Philippines copra from Sandakan to the island of Labuan, on the west coast, which is a free port.