§ 22. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to help the trade balance of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate.
§ Mr. WhitlockThe British Government provide budgetary and capital aid. Among the primary aims of the development programme under which this aid is spent are the establishment of new industries and diversification and expansion of exports. In view of the large quantity of capital goods imported at the present stage of the country's development, an overall adverse trade balance is inevitable. Exports in 1967, however, totalling $A.4.9 million in value, were the highest yet achieved and were 36 per cent. above 1962.
§ Mr. Godman IrvineAs copra and cocoa have proved unsatisfactory in recent years, has any decision yet been made about oil palm?
§ Mr. WhitlockI should need to have notice of that question.