§ Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now state what was the value per dunum or per acre advanced to the Palestine citrus industry for the season 1943–44; whether 209W any new proposal has been agreed upon; and what will be the total sum involved in relation to the costs which growers will continue to bear.
§ Colonel StanleyThe cultivation advances for the 1943–44 season were calculated at the rate of£P5 per dunum per annum. Although, as stated in my answer to the hon. Member on 14th June, the proposals for 1944–45 have not yet been finally approved, I anticipate that the arrangements for that season will be substantially the same as for the past season. The total amount of the advances which is guaranteed is limited to£ 650,000, in respect of which the Banks assume a liability of up to£128,000, but I regret that I cannot state what relation this sum bears to the cost which the growers themselves will continue to meet.