§ 15. Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what evidence he now has showing that cocoa can be successfully grown in parts of Malaya.
§ Mr. LytteltonTrials with both Amelonado and Trinitario cocoa are so far encouraging, but it would be unwise to conclude that a successful cocoa industry can be established until further results are available from the trials which are being conducted both on agricultural stations and estates.
§ Mr. ReidHave these trees come to maturity? It generally takes about five years to develop a cocoa tree. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if any fruit has yet been produced?
§ Mr. LytteltonI do not know about maturity. My information is that the cocoa trees appear to be making reasonable growth and it is likely that they will yield well under certain conditions. I think this is promising, but I do not think we should conclude that it will necessarily be successful.