HC Deb 14 April 1930 vol 237 cc2623-4
37. Mr. HANNON

asked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department the nature and extent of the assistance which the Imperial Government contemplate, in co-operation with the Government of Jamaica, for the development of the citrus fruit industry in that Colony and also for the promotion of the silk and other industries of Jamaica?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Dr. Drummond Shiels)

I have been asked to reply to this question. As the answer is long, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. HANNON

Yes, but I must ask the hon. Member to indicate the policy of his Department towards the development of these islands. Are they sympathetic towards this project?

Dr. SHIELS

Yes. The hon. Member, when he reads the reply, will find that that is the case.

Following is the answer:

In June, 1926, a grant of £1,200 per annum for two years was made from the Empire Marketing Fund to the Jamaica Producers' Association in aid of their foundation expenses in organising the marketing of bananas on a co-operative basis. In October, 1929, a further grant of £1,200 for one year was made from the same source to that Association to enable them to establish certain commodity organisations, including a citrons fruit organisation, on a self-supporting basis. The Government of Jamaica has co-operated in this development by legislation affording protection to the co-operative movement and facilitating the establishment of a marketing organisation in England. A citrons expert has also visited the Colony at the charge of the Empire Marketing Fund.

As regards the silk industry a grant from the Empire Marketing Fund of £700 a year for two years and £500 for a third year was approved in January, 1930, subject to like contributions from the Government of Jamaica. I should be happy to furnish the hon. Member with details of the research and development programme in contemplation if he desires that course. Further assistance to Jamaica has been afforded by a visit, at the charge of the Empire Marketing Fund, of an expert entomologist who is investigating methods of biological control of insect pests in the West Indies generally.