asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many tons of groundnuts are estimated to be stored up-country in West Africa; and what is the reason for the delay in bringing them to this country.

On 4th December, there were 70,642 tons of groundnuts from the 1946–47 crop stored up-country in Nigeria and a further 46,625 tons of tin new crop, making a total of 117,267 tons. Difficulties on the Nigerian railways are responsible for the delay in clearing these crops and much attention has been given to the problem. In this connection, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 10th December to the hon. Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn).

May I ask the Secretary of State to point out to those responsible for Colonial development the need to concentrate on transport to move those commodities already produced before producing more of them?

Transport bottlenecks are pretty common in many Colonial territories just now, but we are concentrating on that matter and trying to get all necessary material in order that these difficulties are removed.

Is there any truth in the statement that the crops are likely to be endangered by locusts?

That hardly arises out of this Question.

Is there likely to be, or has there already been, any deterioration of the 1946–47 crop?

From my information, no.