§ 17. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received from Jamaica any complaints as to the action of the present Governor; and, in view of the statements in the Press, is any inquiry taking place as to the strained situation in that Colony, and the cause thereof?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Edward Wood)My right hon. Friend has seen the statements referred to in the newspapers. Various matters arousing local discussion and controversy were brought to my notice when I was in Jamaica, and these are dealt with in the report of my visit to the West Indies, which I hope to lay upon the Table of the House at an early date. I may, however, say at once, that while in the Colony I saw and heard nothing which would justify the description, of the situation then prevailing as strained.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre these strained relations due to any extent to the policy of the Governor in settling people upon the land in Jamaica?
§ Mr. WOODI should hesitate to go as far as that. It is no doubt true that land settlement in Jamaica, as elsewhere, has been a matter of controversy.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHas this matter been referred to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, who looks after questions of Empire land settlement?
§ Mr. HURDSeeing how many of these questions affecting the West Indies are now held up in view of the hon. Gentleman's report, will he press upon the Colonial Secretary the desirability of placing the report before the public as soon as possible?
§ Mr. WOODYes, I am very glad to say that the report has been through the hands of my right hon. Friend and I expect to send it out to the Governors one day this week, whichever day the mail goes. As soon as we have heard that it has reached them it will be placed before this House.