§ 19. Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any annual Report on the colony of St. Lucia, one of the Windward Islands of the British West Indies, has yet been received since that for 1915–16; and, if not, whether further steps, in addition to the reminder promised in an answer given on 6th July of last year, will be taken to ensure more prompt publication of this and other Colonial Reports?
§ Mr. PARKERMy right hon. Friend regrets to say that the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. He is taking special steps to secure the early publication of an up-to-date report on St. Lucia. As regards other Colonies, Governors are reminded from time to time of the necessity of prompt publication, but Colonial Administrations have several difficulties to contend with in this matter, among them being the great pressure of public business during the last two or three years.