HC Deb 06 March 1946 vol 420 cc324-5
34. Major Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what total quantity of oranges is at present available for export from Palestine to this country over and above the quantity actually being exported.

Mr. Creech Jones

The Palestine citrus crop this season has exceeded previous estimates and 300,000 cases of citrus are at present available for export above the quantity already ordered, and a further quantity of 200,000 cases could be made available if timber could be procured in time for the containers. I am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food regarding the possibility of further sales to this country.

Major Wyatt

Will my hon. Friend undertake to make every effort to obtain the surplus quantity of oranges from Palestine so that we can stop importing them from Spain?

Mrs. Leah Manning

Would my hon. Friend tell me if this includes marmalade oranges? If so, would he tell me where I can buy them so that I can make my marmalade?