41. Mr. Astorasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give an estimate of the proportions of the citrus crops of Palestine which are, respectively, sold in the natural state, bottled, canned or processed and not used.
§ Colonel StanleyThe season, of course, has not yet ended, but, subject to this, it is probable that 50 per cent. of the total crop is used, and exported in its natural state, that 10 per cent. is used for citrus products, and that 40 per cent. is not used.
Mr. AstorIs it not still very unsatisfactory that 40 per cent. of this valuable crop is allowed to go to waste, and, in consequence of the loss to many settlers involved, should not the suggestion of dehydration be reconsidered?
§ Colonel StanleyWe are trying to increase the process as much as possible, but there is a definite limit to the demand.
Mr. AstorIs there not a demand for processed orange juice in this country, and will there not be an enormous demand for it in Europe as soon as it is liberated?
§ Colonel StanleyI did explain, in answer to a previous Question, that there are difficulties there of what machinery you can get and what process you can employ in Palestine.