§ 88. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what the prospects are for the arrangement at an early date of a direct line of steamers to this country from Jamaica and the West Indies to carry passengers as well as fruit and other produce?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Amery)There are already several direct lines of steamships between the United Kingdom and the British West Indies, all of which carry passengers. If my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind the establishment of an alternative line of fruit steamers between Jamaica and this country, as suggested by the Imperial Economic Committee, I am not at present in a position to say more than that schemes to this end are receiving the active consideration of the Jamaican Government and myself.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these Colonies are almost dependent on another country for direct communication between the West Indies and the Mother Country?