HC Deb 23 March 1925 vol 182 cc9-11
13. Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT figures published by the Agricultural Society of Trinidad showing the production of canes on the Waterloo Estate and local peasant cultivators for the years 1914 and 1924 respectively, together with corresponding figures for the whole colony. More than half the supply of the Waterloo estate is still from plantation production, and in any case it is inaccurate to describe the labour employed on that estate as all indentured. The total production of canes in Trinidad in 1924 was slightly less than that in 1914.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Would it be right to say that there has been an increase of production since peasant proprietorship was introduced?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

No; not the total.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Has there been an increase of production from the peasant proprietors?

Mr. ORMSBY - GORE

Certainly. There has been a very considerable increase in the number of peasant proprietors.

Following are the figures promised:

what progress has been made under Article 5 of the articles of agreement for a treaty between Great Britain and Ireland in determining the share of the liability of the Irish Free State for the public debt of the United Kingdom and for the payment of War pensions?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Guinness)

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Hull on 19th March.

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

Would my right hon. Friend explain to the House why the Government feel justified in collecting so many millions from Ulster and not insisting upon the liability of Southern Ireland?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter for Debate.