§ 31. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to bring into effective use, in meeting food shortages in Jamaica, the 45 per cent. of cultivable farm lands shown by the census statistics, to be out of production.
§ Colonel StanleyThere is a Compulsory Food Planting Order in force in Jamaica 169 under which each landowner of more than Ion acres is required to devote a specified acreage to food crops. The extent of the total acreage to be so used depends upon whether the land is worked by the owner or by tenants; and, if the latter, upon the terms of the tenancy. I do not know how much of the 45 per cent. of cultivable land stated to have been out of production at the time of the census may be covered by this arrangement and I am asking the Governor for a report.
§ Colonel Sir A. Lambert WardWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider issuing a short report on the extent to which food crops have replaced export crops in the island of Jamaica?
§ Colonel StanleyIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will put a Question down, I will certainly give him the information.