HC Deb 19 May 1961 vol 640 cc177-8W
Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the results of the recent conference on the problems of the banana industry in Jamaica, St. Lucia and the Windward Islands.

Mr. Iain Macleod

After a full discussion of the problems of the industry, and a review of the operation of the price assistance schemes which had been in force in Jamaica and the Windward Islands since 1955, the conference reached a number of decisions on further steps that should be taken to assist the industry. A programme for expansion of fundamental and applied research was recommended, towards which Her Majesty's Government would be prepared to make a Colonial Development and Welfare grant. A revised price adjustment scheme for the Windward Islands was drawn up for submission to the Governments concerned, and agreement was reached on steps necessary to assist the marketing of the industry's products in the United Kingdom.

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