§ Major Legge-Bourkeasked the President of the Board of Trade what quanti- 406W ties of potash were expected in the six months commencing 18th November last from Palestine; what effect the recent terrorism in Palestine is estimated to have on this figure; and what steps he is taking to make good this deficiency.
§ Mr. MarquandWe expect to receive some 20,000 tons of potash from Palestine between 1st November, 1946, and 30th April, 1947, which compares with 19,000 tons over the same period in 1945–46 It is not possible to estimate what effect terrorist activities may have, but they severely curtailed transport to port during November. We have, however, already shipped this month the total quantity scheduled, together with a portion of the November shortfall. All supplies of potash have now been allocated for this season by the International Emergency Food Council, and there is thus no material available to us elsewhere to make up for any deficiency there may be in shipments from Palestine