38. Mr. Astorasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether facilities now exist for the dehydration of the citrus crops of Palestine.
§ Colonel StanleyNo facilities exist in Palestine for the dehydration of citrus fruit, although experiments have been carried out on a product known as "citrus leather" and attempts have been made to dry citrus for use as a cattle food. A dehydration mission of the Ministry of Food which recently visited the territory recommended as preferable the direction of effort to the improvement of facilities for the production of concentrated juices which has developed rapidly, especially since the war. This matter is now receiving consideration.
Mr. AstorIs my right hon. and gallant Friend satisfied that thousands of tons of citrons are not being wasted and left lying to rot in Palestine?
§ Colonel StanleyThat is an entirely different question. My answer is devoted to showing that the experts think that the production of concentrated juice is a better means of dealing with surplus production than dehydration.