§ Mr. Rileyasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the action of the assistant censor in Jamaica in issuing an order prohibiting editors and newspapers in Jamaica making any references to the legislative measures passed in this country empowering the Government to conscript wealth 1170W and control industry in the United Kingdom?
§ Mr. George HallI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the Question asked by the hon. Member for Romford (Mr. Parker) on 9th July.
§ Mr. Rileyasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information regarding the great decrease in the export of goods from Jamaica to other countries, said to amount to 33⅓ per cent. since the outbreak of war; is he aware that such decrease is causing serious concern in the island, lack of employment, increased taxation, and consequent labour agitation; and what measures are being taken to ameliorate the situation?
§ Mr. HallMy Noble Friend is advised that the decrease to which the hon. Member refers is mainly due to the decrease of 56 per cent. in the value of the export of bananas. This crop suffered severely from a hurricane which occurred in November last and certain losses have also been caused by the leaf spot disease. Spraying for disease control has been organised and the Governor has estimated that production is expected to increase materially during the later months of the year.