§ 56. Sir P. Hannonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can 2035 make a statement on the present position of banana production in Jamaica; what proportion of the crop of last year has been absorbed in the United Kingdom; and whether the new sliding scale of payments to growers based on results of sales is working satisfactorily?
Mr. M. MacDonaldBanana production in Jamaica is at present in a reasonably satisfactory condition, though the question of disease is a source of anxiety. Total exports last year were nearly 27,000,000 stems, a figure never approached before, of which 20,000,000 stems were sent to the United Kingdom.
§ Sir P. HannonWill my right hon. Friend answer the last part of the question as to whether the new sliding scale of payments to growers is working satisfactorily?
Mr. MacDonaldYes, Sir. That was intended to be covered by the first part of my answer. Certainly, the answer 's that the new scale of payments seems to be working satisfactorily.
§ Mr. PalingIs the low scale of wages to the people who handle the bananas satisfactory?