asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reasons it is found impracticable to broadcast in Hausa to the 10,000,000 Hausa-speaking peoples in British West Africa; and how soon the matter will be reconsidered.

Broadcasts in Hausa are already made over rediffusion systems from six stations in Nigeria, and it is hoped to provide this year three new stations, all in the Northern Provinces.

The resumption of Hausa broadcasts from the Gold Coast is also being considered. The question of arranging broadcasts in Hausa from London will be kept under review. At present there is an insufficient number of receiving sets in the Northern Provinces of Nigeria to justify the use of staff and wavelengths urgently required for other services.

Does riot the Secretary of State think that a supply of broadcasts would create a demand for sets? Has should be made available for the Hausais understood by more British subjects, outside India, than any other language, except, of course, English?

I think the hon. Member will appreciate that I am most anxious that broadcast arrangements should be made available for the Hausa speaking peoples, and that, therefore, I am doing all I can to extend this particular service.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether standard prices are still fixed for palm kernels and rice in Sierra Leone; whether the quota system is still applied to the production of these commodities; and whether farmers are still required to barter their produce in return for manufactured goods, as was the case during the war.

Standard buying prices are fixed for these commodities in Sierra Leone. The quota system is not applied to the production of palm kernels. Rice producing chiefdoms are required to sell a small proportion of their production to the Government at the standard price. Since 1945, farmers have not been required to barter their produce for manufactured goods.

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the system he described is no longer giving rise to serious local shortages, as was alleged some time ago?

I think that is the case at the present time.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how long the rice levy is to be maintained to feed the population of Sierra Leone?

At the moment there is only a very small proportion of the crops which the respective chiefdoms surrendered. At the moment it is a precautionary measure, and will not stay longer than is absolutely necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Association of West African Merchants and other firms are still operating as agents for the Government in handling rice and palm kernels produced in Sierra Leone; and what commission has been paid to these firms for their services up to date.

Firms who are members of the Association of West African Merchants and other firms operate for the Government of Sierra Leone in handling rice and are paid a commission of 5 per cent. The amount thus paid out since 1944 is £23,855. In the case of palm kernels, merchant firms act as agents of the West African Produce Control Board. Between 1st September, 1942, and 30th August, 1945, purchases by merchants from producers were regulated by quotas, and the firms remunerated on a cost-plus-profit basis, the amount paid out being £46,530. On 1st September, 1945, quotas were abolished, and the price at which the Board bought from the merchants was fixed at £2 13s. 6d. per ton above the minimum price at which the merchant might buy from the producer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the right to import into West Africa is still restricted to the Association of West African Merchants and other firms on the basis of their past performance for 1937–41; and when he expects to be able to end this system.

No, Sir. The issue of import licences is no longer restricted, as a general rule, to firms that can prove past trade, though the restriction is still in force in at any rate one West African colony for a limited range of scarce commodities. All colonial governments are aware of the desirability of ending this restriction as soon as circumstances permit.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say that equal trade facilities will be granted to non-British trading firms?

I think that is the case with regard to African firms.

And to other firms?

That is another point.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether deposits of good quality coal exist at Udi, Southern Nigeria; and what steps are being taken to exploit the resources of this coalfield.

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll) on 12th March. In addition to the measures referred to in that reply, I am arranging for the Government of Nigeria to obtain expert advice from this country on the development of the existing colliery.

Can the Minister also arrange for the Minister of Fuel and Power to go out and investigate these deposits?

He is aware of them.