§ Colonel Ponsonbyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the desirability of economising in dollar purchases of tobacco, encouragement will be given to the tobacco growing and cigar manufacturing industry in Jamaica.
Mr. Creech JonesThe tobacco growing and cigar manufacturing industry in Jamaica has been, and is being substantially assisted by the ban on the import of Cuban cigars necessitated by exchange considerations, and imports of Jamaica tobacco in the form of cigars into this country rose from 30,000 pounds in 1939 to approximately 400,000 pounds in 1946. I am in consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the President of the Board of Trade as to any further steps which may be necessary to encourage the industry.