asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what measures are being taken to protect African-owned industries in Nigeria in their early stages of development from unfair competition; and whether he will give an assurance that industries owned or managed by the Colonial Development Corporation will not receive more favourable treatment than that accorded to African-owned industries.

African-owned industries in Nigeria receive expert advice and assistance from the Department of Commerce and Industries and may obtain loans at low rates of interest from the regional development boards. Industries owned and managed by the Colonial Development Corporation do not receive more favourable treatment than that accorded to African-owned industries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Nigerian farmers are to pay more than the world price for sacks manufactured in the Colonial Development Corporation's new factory at Onitsha? Why cannot some similar protective arrangement be granted to African-owned undertakings?

I would like to see that question on the Order Paper before I reply to it.