HC Deb 23 April 1923 vol 163 cc12-3
14 and 15. Mr. GRATTAN DOYLE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether any representations have been made to him with reference to the further development of the Bermudas; if so, what action he has taken in consequence of such representations; whether, in view of the expressed intention of His Majesty's Government to further develop the resources of the British Empire as a whole, he will take steps to see what possibilities exist there;

(2) whether any representations have been made to him with reference to the further development of the Barbados; if so, what action he has taken in consequence of such representations; and whether, in view of the expressed intention of His Majesty's Government to further develop the resources of the British Empire as a whole, he will take steps to see what possibilities exist there?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

No representations have been made to me with regard to the further development of Bermuda or Barbados. The possibilities of the former appear to be well known. The latter is fully developed agriculturally, and is in fact the most highly developed and thickly populated of the British West Indies. The oil possibilities of Barbados are now being investigated by a private company. Both possess local legislatures with wide powers; and, in the absence of representations from these legislatures, I do not propose to institute any special inquiries.

Mr. DOYLE

Can the hon. Gentleman say what is the nationality of the company?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

It is a British company.