§ 39. Major Procterasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the newly-formed Colonial Marketing Board will be giving attention to the problem created by the necessity of marketing increased supplies of Palestine oranges in Great Britain during the forthcoming winter season?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreGenerally speaking, the citrus producers of Palestine are 898 already much better organised than most Colonial producers, and I question whether they will find it necessary to ask for the assistance of the Board; but if they do so, I do not doubt that the Board will consider any such request on its merits.
§ 40. Major Procterasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the substantial development of the economic prosperity of Palestine dependent upon the marketing of Palestine citrus fruit, better arrangements have been made this year for the transport, storing and shipping of these products from that mandated territory; and whether, in particular, full advantage will be taken of the new port facilities now available at Tel Aviv?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreSo far as the Palestine Government is concerned, further improvements made since last season include the completion of the Jaffa-Haifa road and other road construction, also the building of an additional transit shed at Haifa, where work on a new cargo jetty is proceeding. A comprehensive scheme of research into the wastage of citrus fruit in transit is being undertaken by the Government and the citrus growers working in co-operation. As to the last part of the question, it is for the exporters themselves to decide which port they will use.