§ Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the widespread discontent in the Palestine citrus districts due to the grave condition of the industry; whether a large part of the crop continues to be destroyed; and whether he will consider a scheme whereby surplus production can be taken over by the British Government as is done in respect of other colonial surpluses.
§ Colonel StanleySince the loss of Palestine's normal markets for its citrus crop, the citrus industry has been assisted by means of a system of guaranteed cultivation advances, as described in an answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister Resident in North West Africa to the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones) on 1st July, 1942. I am sending copies of that reply to my hon. Friend. This system has been continued up to and including the current season in full agreement with all sections of the Palestine industry as represented on the Citrus Control Board. In the circumstances, it has unfortunately been necessary to bury part of the citrus crop, owing to the lack of adequate markets. I have, however, certain proposals under consideration at present for additional assistance to the growers.
§ Mr. Hammersleyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the critical position in which the Palestine orange growers, Arab and Jewish, now find themselves through the lack of markets, having to bury half the orange crop in the ground; and what measures he proposes to take to alleviate this situation.
§ Colonel StanleyI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Riley) to-day.