6.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in the development of the Cooperative movement in Nigeria and in the issuing of explanatory literature in the vernacular.
The movement is developing steadily. I will, with permission, circulate some figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT. My right hon. Friend has asked the Governor about the issue of vernacular literature and will write to my hon. Friend.
Is my right hon. Friend aware that at a recent annual Co-operative conference a unanimous decision was taken that the movement should provide teams of administrators for Nigeria and for backward countries, and that they are very anxious to help to create a higher standard of living?
I am glad to hear that; in fact, the movement's progress has been exceedingly satisfactory.
Following are the figures:
| — | 1945 | 1950 |
| Number of societies of all kinds. | 580 | 1,092 |
| Number of consumer societies. | 7 | 38 |
| Share capital paid up | £7,000 | £45,000 |
| Deposits | £7,000 | £72,000 |
| Value of produce marketed through societies. | £361,000 | £1,160,000 |
| Loans granted through societies. | £25,000 | £141,000 |