§ MR. R. G. WEBSTER (St. Pancras, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the present increasing depression in the sugar industry in the British West Indian Colonies, and whether the powers given to the permanent officials representing Great Britain at the Brussels Conference on Sugar Bounties are comprehensive enough to secure remedies which will effectively reestablish the main source of livelihood of the population of these islands and prevent the extinction of an important and once thriving branch of British home industry; and if the Government propose to take any immediate steps to effectively counteract the evils of the bounty system?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.I do not think there has been any recent increase in the depression of the sugar industry in the West Indian Colonies. On the contrary, the prices prevailing in the United States are such as to enable the best managed estates to make a fair profit. The Brussels Conference has adjourned for the present, and meanwhile the Papers concerning it will be laid upon the Table, and will give all the information we have.
§ MR. R. G. WEBSTERAs the right honourable Gentleman has mentioned the United States, may I ask whether he is aware that there is a possibility of the United States occupying some of the West Indian Islands, and, therefore, of the prices going down?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIESI do not think that is the immediate danger to the sugar industry.
§ MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)Will any further steps be taken in the matter this Session?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIESI think that before any questions are asked on the point it would be better for the House to see the Papers.
§ MR. GIBSON BOWLES (King's Lynn)When will the Papers be presented to the House?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIESI cannot definitely answer that Question, but it will be as soon as possible.