§ 57. Mr. Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the British Honduras Fruit Company, operated by the Colonial Development Corporation, is running at a substantial loss; and, in view of the fact that fruit is grown in the same area at a profit by private growers, whether he will consider some other means of encouraging fruit growing in the Colony.
§ Mr. LytteltonYes. This enterprise, which was a laudable attempt to diversify the agriculture of the Colony, was established to grow bananas. It is a new crop in the Colony and some difficulties have been encountered. I do not think that comparison with other fruit crops privately grown such as citrus is apposite.
As the scheme is still in operation the second part of the Question does not arise.