§ Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that dehydrated banana flakes are being prepared in Brazil: and whether any steps have been taken by the Government to establish plant for this purpose in the West Indies?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansI have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend is aware of the developments in Brazil and elsewhere of which full particulars have already been communicated to the Governor of Jamaica. Dried bananas have not so far been placed on the United Kingdom Import Programme. In the absence of means of export from the West Indies, the present position is that practically the entire local production is being consumed on the spot. There is, therefore, no present case for the establishment of plant in the West Indies, but my right hon. Friend will keep in touch with developments with a view to their possible application there.