§ MR. ALFRED PEASE (York)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can give, with regard to the cultivation of sugar in the Island of Jamaica, the number of properties with under 10 acres, over 10 acres and under 50 acres, over 50 acres and under 100 acres, over 100 acres and under 200 acres, and over 200 acres in canes respectively?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (BARON H. DE WORMS, Liverpool, East Toxteth)From the latest Returns in the Secretary of State's possession, it appears that in 1886–7 there were in Jamaica 68 estates with more than 200 acres in cane; 77 estates With between 100 and 200; 27 estates with between 50 and 100; and 7 estates with between 10 and 50; but he has no information as to the number of properties with under 10 acres in cane cultivation. If the honourable Member thinks it worth while to pursue the question further, the Colonial Government will be requested to prepare a special Return.