HC Deb 06 April 1955 vol 539 c98W
64. Sir R. Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to increase the output of coconuts in Jamaica.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Grants of about £180,000 have been made by Her Majesty's Government to assist the rehabilitation of the coconut industry after the 1951 hurricane. The Jamaica Government also help farmers with the provision of seedlings. Research assisted from Colonial Development and Welfare funds is taking place into the problem of "Unknown Disease." The output of copra in Jamaica rose from about 3,500 tons in 1952 to over 9,000 tons in 1954, and it is estimated that it will reach 12,000 tons this year.