§ 32. Mr. JANNERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, owing to the inadequate transport and port facilities in Palestine and the congestion which has resulted, a considerable proportion of Palestine oranges have arrived at United Kingdom ports in an unsatisfactory condition; and whether special steps can be taken to deal with the improvement of such facilities before the next season, in order to ensure that this principal part of Palestine's export trade shall not be damaged in this way?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, Sir. The High Commissioner informs me that, in spite of a very wet February, causing washouts on both railways and roads, transport and export facilities have proved adequate except in individual instances. He further states that most exceptionally wet and stormy weather in February caused widespread damage to fruit, some of which was rendered unfit for export and some depreciated in value, and also that some fruit was held overlong before export in the hope of an improvement in price.
§ Mr. JANNERWill, the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries from the trade in this country since it is a very important matter that this trade should not be injured?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI thought it was much more important to get an impartial account from the High Commissioner of Palestine. I have done so, and the House now knows the facts.