Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps the Government is proposing to take to help the Seychelles cinnamon-leaf oil industry, in view of the heavy undercutting by the American synthetic product?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe marketing of cinnamon-leaf oil from the Seychelles is already closely controlled by Government, and in order to ensure that the oil is marketed in the most satisfactory manner a sole selling agency has been appointed. While the present price of cinnamon-leaf oil is low, there has so far been no difficulty in disposing of all supplies offered from Seychelles.
I might add that steps have already been taken in the Seychelles to encourage the development of other kinds of essential oils for the production of which the islands are suitable. A Government distillery for the production of these new 1750W oils has recently been approved and financial assistance from the Colonial Development Fund obtained for its erection.