§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government have any information in regard to the suitability of British North Borneo for the cultivation of cotton.
§ *THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. LYTTELTON,) Warwick and LeamingtonI have ascertained from the British North Borneo Company that no Europeans have so far grown cotton in North Borneo, but that favourable reports on samples of native cotton lave been received. The company consider that the soil and climate of North Borneo are well suited for the cultivation of cotton; and they state that plenty of cheap labour is available, and that the directors are willing to do all in their power to encourage its growth. For further particulars I must refer the hon. Member to the company.