§ 98. Mr. Bartlettasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that large supplies of bananas and grapefruit are being wasted in Sierra Leone; and what steps he is taking, in conjunction with the Minister of Food, to encourage the import into this country of these and other fruits from that Colony.
Mr. Creech JonesI am aware that there is at present considerable wastage of bananas in Sierra Leone. Grapefruit are not grown on a large scale but the supply is liable to exceed present local requirements during the season. As regards the second part of the Question shipping difficulties have hitherto proved an obstacle, but arrangements were recently made at the exportee's suggestion for a trial shipment of bananas to this country as deck cargo. Unfortunately most of the consignment arrived in a worthless or severely damaged condition. I now intend to review the position further, in regard both to bananas and other fruits, with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food.