HC Deb 28 February 1927 vol 203 cc16-8
36. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department what trade representatives there are in Palestine; and if he will state briefly what steps his Department is taking to encourage trade between Palestine and the United Kingdom?

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

By courtesy of the Palestine Government, the Department of Overseas Trade corresponds on matters of commercial intelligence with the Director of Customs Excise and Trade in Jerusalem. The Department of Overseas Trade supplies traders in this country with information as to any openings for business in Palestine which may come to its notice, and affords them every assistance in its power.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is the hon. Member aware that, among other things in Palestine, all the motorcars, including Government official cars, are American; that there are many opportunities for British trade of which advantage is not taken, and will he consider sending one of his representatives to reside in Palestine?

Mr. SAMUEL

The matter will, no doubt, be brought to the notice of the motor trade, and they will, I expect, deal suitably with the opportunities afforded for the sale of British cars.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Cannot we afford to have a representative in Palestine to look after this important trade?

Mr. SAMUEL

My duty is to prevent increase in the expenses of my Depart-

STATEMENT showing the Total Tonnage and Value of the Exports of Palm Kernels and Palm Oil from British West Africa in each year from 1914 to 1926.
Year. Palm Kernels. Palm Oil.
Tons. £ Tons. £
1914 … … … 204,494 3,196,949 76,414 1,647,874
1915 … … … 197,334 2,252,715 76,380 1,533,602
1916 … … … 213,781 2,520,981 71,623 1,494,720
1917 … … … 249,318 3,507,116 77,711 1,970,152
1918 … … … 255,560 4,072,165 90,305 2,727,885
1919 … … … 278,099 6,408,174 108,193 4,501,571
1920 … … … 265,507 7,331,595 90,870 4,914,736
1921 … … … 295,716 3,552,055 53,243 1,671,339
1922 … … … 231,358 3,584,238 90,562 2,758,037
1923 … … … 286,866 4,772,579 104,278 3,122,906
1924 … … … 321,234 5,679,071 131,543 4,073,236
1925 … … … 343,417 6,217,428 132,524 4,303,852
The figures for 1926 are not complete, but returns already received show that not less than 321,000 tons of kernels and 117,000 tons of palm oil were shipped in that year.
31. Mr. KELLY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the average prices paid in British West Africa to native suppliers for palm kernels and palm oil each year from 1906 to 1926?

Mr. AMERY

Prices paid to the producer naturally vary not only with the movement of prices in Europe but with the distance from the port of shipment in West Africa, the facilities for transport, the rates of freight, the quality of the produce and other factors. In the circumstances, I regret that any figures of prices could only be misleading and inaccurate.

ment, and to spend money where it can be most usefully spent.