§ 11. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will undertake the bulk purchase of bananas from Jamaica.
Mr. AmoryNo, Sir; State trading in bananas was given up on 31st March, 1953, and I have no intention of putting the clock back.
§ Mr. JohnsonWill the Minister agree that unless Jamaica has economic stability, it is likely that political and even social instability will follow? Does this answer mean that his mind is harking back to the bad old days, and does the right hon. Gentleman not think that there is a danger of Jamaica not being able to sell her banana harvest, with consequent economic instability?
Mr. AmoryThe object which the hon. Gentleman clearly has in mind, economic stability in Jamaica, is one with which we should all agree. It is a question of the method suggested, and State trading by us is not one which I feel would be conducive to that end.