§ Sir P. Hannonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been called to the present condition of the diamond industry in Palestine, where employment is jeopardised by the restriction on supply of rough diamonds; and if he will facilitate larger imports and thus strengthen the position of the sterling area in the acquisition of foreign currency.
§ Mr. George HallYes, Sir. A delegation representing the industry is at present engaged in discussions in this country. While I understand that every effort will be made to provide the industry with a fair share of the available supplies of rough diamonds, it has to be borne in mind that, owing to the exigencies of the war, stocks of diamonds have been materially reduced.