Mr. David Adams:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered a resolution from the Seychelles Taxpayers' Association protesting against the increase in the price of paraffin by 70 per cent., as the citizens must rely entirely upon paraffin for lighting purposes and in many cases for cooking also, whilst there are no alternative sources of supply to those of one petroleum company; and what action he proposes in the matter?

I am informed by the Governor of the Seychelles that the price of kerosene in the Colony has increased in price by approximately 67 per cent. since November, 1939. I understand that the pre-war price of this commodity was actually below cost, the loss being recovered by increases in the price of other oils. Since the outbreak of war all qualities of oil are being sold at their true price. The Governor is satisfied that the present price of kerosene is no more than sufficient to cover reasonable costs.