HC Deb 23 July 1930 vol 241 c2128
19. Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies which islands in the West Indies put an export tax on sugar?

Dr. SHIELS

Duty is payable on sugar exported from Antigua, Montserrat and St. Christopher Nevis in the Leeward Islands, and from St. Lucia and St. Vincent in the Windward Islands.

Sir N. STEWART SANDEMAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the conditions in these Islands and how bad the labour question is and how the estates are getting into debt, and can he suggest no remedy?

Dr. SHIELS

I have considerable sympathy with the point of view that the hon. Gentleman puts. Of course, there is always the difficulty of the alternative source of revenue, but, in view of the facts which the hon. Member has put, the matter is being gone into at present.

Sir N. STEWART SANDEMAN

When may we expect to hear what is being done?

Dr. SHIELS

I cannot give any date, but it, is being considered.