§ MR. CUMMING MACDONAOn behalf of the Member for Central Sheffield, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can give any information to the House with respect to the effect of the pecuniary assistance granted last Session by the House of Commons to certain of the West Indian Colonies, and more especially as to the rehabilitation of the sugar industry on which they are so largely dependent; and what hopes he can hold out of the early termination of foreign bounties upon beet sugar?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIESIt is not possible for me to answer the first Question within the limits of a Question, but I may say generally that the sums granted have been, and are being, expended in accordance with my statement made upon the Vote. I am not in a position to express any definite opinion as to the prospect of an early termination of the bounties.
§ MR. MACLEAN (Cardiff)With regard to that answer, may I ask the right honourable Gentleman whether he agrees with the opinion expressed yesterday by the Under Secretary for the Colonies on this question of the taxation of beet sugar?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! A Question stating that an opinion has been expressed by someone else and asking the right honourable Gentleman whether he agrees with it is out of order. If the honourable Gentleman will frame his Question differently and put it on the Paper, possibly he will be able to obtain the information he desires.
§ MR. MACLEANPerhaps I used the wrong word. It should not. have been opinion, but policy.