§ 9. Mr. RANKINasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the increasing export of Palestine oranges to Great Britain, he will arrange for a conference between growers in Palestine and British shipping interests before the next export season to review the possibility of sending this large volume of fruit to Great Britain in British instead of in foreign holds?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)I understand that discussions have already taken place between British shipping interests and Palestine exporters.
§ Captain STRICKLANDCan the right hon. Gentleman inform us whether there is any British line which at the present time runs a regular service to Haifa?
§ Mr. GEOFFREY PETOWill the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to secure a regular service to Cyprus as well as to Haifa, and will he bear in mind that oranges from Cyprus, our own Colony, are larger, sweeter and juicier than those from Palestine?
§ Sir ROBERT HAMILTONMay I ask whether the arrangements which are in prospect for carrying Palestinian oranges will provide for ships calling at Cyprus?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI could not answer that question, because the discussions have only recently been proceeding between the British shipping interests and interests in Palestine, with the British commercial agent assisting; but I have many times expressed the hope that British lines will be able to call at Cyprus as well as at Haifa.
§ Captain STRICKLANDWill the right hon. Gentleman answer my question whether there is any British line at the present time with a regular service to Haifa?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI should like notice of that question.