§ 32. Sir HARRY BRITTAINasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, for the purpose of placing West Indian fruit, and particularly the banana, at a lower price on the English market, consideration is being given to the possibility of the development of this trade under ail British auspices and to the elimination, as far as possible, of the various agencies through which this fruit passes to-day before being placed upon the home market?
Mr. SAMUELThis question has been investigated and the point raised by my hon. Friend exhaustively dealt with by the Imperial Economic Committee, whose recommendations will be found on page 268 in their third Report, on "Marketing and preparing for market of foodstuffs produced in the overseas parts of the Empire." I understand that the Empire Marketing Board are at present considering in conjunction with the Imperial Economic Committee what steps should be taken to give effect to the recommendations contained in the Report. I may add that the very points raised by my hon. Friend are dealt with in this Report, which is at the disposal of the hon. Member after Questions.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINThank you very much.