Mr. Graham White:

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the object with which a West African Supply Centre is to be set up; and what duties it is to undertake?

The West African Supply Centre has been set up under the auspices of the West African Governors' Conference, with the principal objects of collating information regarding the supply needs and potentialities of the West African Colonies, and of making possible the framing of long term supply plans for the best use of the shipping available. It will also have certain specified executive powers, particularly as regards the allocation of shipping space within the framework of priority schemes agreed between the West African Governors.