Mr. Astorasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proportion of last year's citrus crop in Palestine was marketed; what proportion wasted; and what progress has been made regarding dehydration, concentration and similar processes.
§ Colonel StanleyFor the current season it is probable that of an estimated crop of 7,000,000 cases, 71 per cent. will be used and exported in its natural state, 12 per cent. will be used for citrus products and 17 per cent. will not be used. I am obtaining the figures for the 1943–44 season from the High Commissioner and will communicate them to the hon. Member. Citrus is not dehydrated commercially in Palestine but, as stated in my answer to the hon. Member on 22nd March, 1944, efforts are being directed to the improvement of facilities for the production of concentrated juices. All producers have formed themselves into an association and are pooling their technical knowledge. A delegation from the association has recently visited this country to study the question with technical experts and plant manufacturers. The association has obtained a pilot plant from this country in order to demonstrate to producers the proper process of concentration, and I am glad to be able to state that 1475W good progress is being made. Commercial samples of dried citrus pulp from Palestine are also at present being examined in this country.