§ 56. Mr. Blytonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why West Indian farmers were not encouraged to plant 151W orange trees and to install plant and equipment for the production of orange concentrate for the Government Welfare Scheme; and what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to safeguard the industry.
§ Mr. J. AmeryShortly after the war, a source of supply for concentrated orange juice was sought in the West Indies. As a result, contracts were made between the Ministry of Food and producers in Jamaica and British Honduras for specified maximum quantities during the ten years beginning with the 1950–51 crop.
In reply to the second part of the Question, discussions are at present taking place with a delegation from the West Indies on the existing price assistance schemes for the industry and related matters.