HC Deb 07 July 1938 vol 338 cc615-6W
Major Procter

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that further trouble is expected to break out in Jamaica unless employment conditions are drastically improved in the near future; and whether, in these circumstances, he can give an undertaking that no reduction in the Colonial sugar export quota will be agreed to at the next meeting of the International Sugar Council?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The general situation in Jamaica is, I am aware, causing the local Government concern, and they are doing everything they can to improve the position, especially regarding employment. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the Colonial sugar export quota for the coming year will be the maximum allowed by the International Sugar Agreement.

Colonel Sandeman Allen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that certain British sugar-producing colonies have been unable to fill the quotas allotted to them under the internal arrangement for distributing the total British Colonial Empire quota permitted under the international agreement, arrangements can be made to redistribute these unfilled quotas to Jamaica and such other sugar-producing Colonies as have already filled their quotas and have substantial surplus stocks on hand?

Mr. M. MacDonald

Pending the conclusion of the meeting of the International Sugar Council which is now taking place, I am not in a position to make any statement on this matter.

Colonel Sandeman Allen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now make any statement as to whether any cut is to be made in the Colonial sugar export quota for the year ending 1st September next; and whether, in view of the fact that such a cut in their quotas would leave Jamaica and British Guiana with large surplus stocks of sugar on their hands, special steps can be taken to sateguard the position of these Colonies in connection with the negotiations at the next meeting of the International Sugar Council?

Mr. M. MacDonald

I am not at present in a position to predict what the Colonial Sugar export quota for the coming year will be, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that every step compatible with His Majesty's Government's obligations under the International Sugar Agreement will be taken to safeguard the position of the Colonial Empire.