Citrus Industry (Hansard, 28 November 1963)

§ 24. Mr. A. Henderson
asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what steps he is taking to safeguard citrus imports from Jamaica in view of the recent representations by the United States Government on citrus imports

§ The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and for the Colonies (Mr. Nigel Fisher)
The consultations asked for by the United States Government about citrus imports into this country are still proceeding. The Government of Jamaica are represented at these talks and we are, of course, aware of the importance they attach to the citrus industry.

§ Mr. Henderson
In view of the fact that the removal of the present quantitative restriction on Florida citrus imports into this country will benefit only 2 per cent, of the Florida production, whereas it will bring ruin, probably to the extent of 80 per cent, or 90 per cent, of the citrus production of Jamaica, will the Minister, in the discussions which are taking place with the United States Government, point out to them that developing countries like Jamaica require something much more than the mere safeguarding of the interests of their own United States industries if they are to build up their standard of living?

§ Mr. Fisher
I agree with the right hon. and learned Gentleman. This is a very important matter to Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and British Honduras. But the Americans are quite entitled to make this approach under the G.A.T.T. arrangements. I think that the best guarantee that the Jamaican point of view will not be overlooked is the fact that the Jamaican Government are represented at the talks, and will therefore be able to state their own case. But I will bear very much in mind what the right hon. and learned Gentleman has said.

§ Sir E. Leather
Will my hon. Friend also bear in mind that many hon. Members on both sides of the House feel most strongly about this matter? It really would be nonsense for us and for the Americans to talk about increasing economic aid to these countries on the 461 one hand, and, on the other, at the very same time to take action which we know quite well will bankrupt whole industries, and throw thousands of people out of work in the West Indies.

§ Mr. Fisher
I am conscious of the points which my hon. Friend is making, because I made precisely those points when I was sitting where he is sitting now. These points have been raised before. I assure my hon. Friend that there is no lack of sympathy on the part of the Government for the point of view that he has expressed.

§ Mr. Bottomley
Bearing in mind the provisions of G.A.T.T. and the policy of the United States to help the less-developed countries, does the hon. Gentleman think that Her Majesty's Government are doing enough to help the citrus industry in the West Indies?

§ Mr. Fisher
I do not think that that question comes into it. We are responsible only for British Honduras. The other two countries are now independent. But I take the right hon. Gentleman's point, and anything that we can do we shall do. I do not think that I can say more on this matter now. because the talks are still proceeding and they are confidential, but I will certainly make a statement as soon as they are concluded.