§ 24. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if, in view of 185 distress among growers of citrus crops in Palestine, the Government will apply to this production the same principle applied elsewhere to sugar, cocoa and bananas and make arrangements to purchase the whole of the surplus citrus crop; and whether the present unsatisfactory loan system will be reviewed.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Colonel Oliver Stanley)As stated in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Riley) on 15th March, the system of guaranteed cultivation advances, which was introduced when the normal markets for the citrus crop were lost, has been continued up to and including the current season in full agreement with all sections of the Palestine industry, as represented on the Citrus Control Board. There are important differences in the technical conditions and organisation of the citrus industry, as compared with the other industries mentioned by the hon. Member, which determined the choice of this as the most suitable method of giving assistance. No representations for the loan system to be reviewed have been received from the industry itself.
§ Mr. SorensenDo I take it that this particular principle which has been applied to other crops has been specifically ruled out in the case of citrus crops?
§ Colonel StanleyA request has been made for some purchase, as well as for the existing assistance. I am considering that but, on the whole, I am against it as I think any additional assistance should be given through the existing machinery.
Mr. AstorCould the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say roughly what proportion of the citrus crop of Palestine now finds a market; and what proportion is wasted?
§ Colonel StanleyIf the hon. Member will put that Question down, I will give him an answer, not only roughly but accurately.