MR. DICK-PEDDIEasked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether, in view of the present crisis in West Indian industries, measures will be taken without delay either by sending out the Royal Commissioners who have already dealt with the other West India Colonies or otherwise, to inquire into what appears to be the excessive expenditure of Trinidad and British Guiana, and to suggest measures for its reduction?
§ MR. EVELYN ASHLEYThe Government have been carefully considering the expenditure in these Colonies, and are of opinion that it presents no such question of difficulty as to render necessary at this moment an inquiry by a Royal Commission, which involves a heavy outlay and gives rise to expectations, or apprehensions, which it is well to avoid. The Governors of British Guiana and Trinidad have recently been in this country, and have had opportunities of discussing the financial reforms, which appear practicable.