HC Deb 26 May 1943 vol 389 cc1551-2
14. Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the position of the Jamaica banana industry; what assistance is now being given to this industry by His Majesty's Government; and is it planned to maintain the banana plantations or to allow them to go out of production?

Colonel Stanley

Since November, 1940, shipping difficulties have seriously affected the export of Jamaican bananas, and exports have now virtually ceased. To prevent a collapse of the industry. His Majesty's Government have met the cost of the purchase of all exportable fruit after allowing for the proceeds of any sales. This has enabled the employment of labourers to be continued for the maintenance of the plantations and the transport of the fruit. Practically the whole crop is now consumed locally. His Majesty's Government have recently agreed to- continue to assist the industry on the above lines for a further period of two years from 1st July, 1943. This assistance is designed to ensure that a sufficient nucleus of the plantations is maintained in a state of efficiency to enable a rapid expansion to normal proportions of trade to be effected when exports are again possible.

Dr. Morgan

While the Government subsidy is being continued will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman make sure that the wages of the plantation labourers are not unnecessarily reduced?

Colonel Stanley

Yes, Sir, but I should hope that the machinery would ensure that, subsidy or no subsidy.

Mr. Quintin Hogg

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend see that the bananas are used to improve the nutritional situation in the West Indies?

Colonel Stanley

I have said that they are all consumed locally.

Mr. Riley

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the export of bananas from Jamaica to America and Canada has ceased altogether?

Colonel Stanley

Yes, Sir, practically.

Mr. Lawson

What is a banana, anyhow?

Colonel Stanley

The hon. Member is too young to remember.

Sir Francis Fremantle

Is any research being undertaken into the possibility of processing bananas in order to preserve their nutritional value?

Colonel Stanley

I should be glad if the hon. Member would put that question down.