HC Deb 24 May 1898 vol 58 c556
GENERAL LAURIE (Pembroke and Haverfordwest)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he id aware that the West Indian planters engaged in cultivating sugar will require to commence their preparations for the new crop in July next: and whether it is probable that he will be able to announce his intentions with regard to the assistance proposed to be given to the West Indies in time to allow the cultivators to make their plans for the coming season?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES

The negotiations at Washington are not completed, and until the result is known it is impossible to make any statement, but I have no reason to believe that any proposals which Her Majesty's Government may be able to make for the advantage of the West Indies generally, will materially affect the preparations for the new sugar crop in July next.