Dr. MORGAN (by Private Notice)asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is in a position to state to the House the full terms of the subsidies granted by the Government, as announced in the Press, to the Island of Mauritius and the West Indian islands in connection with the sugar industry; what is the total amount of the subsidies, and the proportionate amount for the different islands involved; on what conditions and reciprocal arrangements are the subsidies granted; and whether the necessary Supplementary Vote will be taken at an early date?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Dr. Drummond Shiels)The terms of the arrangements which it is proposed to make have been fully set out in the telegrams, the text of which were published on the 15th instant, and showed clearly the maximum liability involved and its apportionment among the Colonies concerned. I am not in a position to add anything. The question of a Supplementary Estimate does not immediately arise.
Dr. MORGANDoes my hon. Friend not think it would have been much better, to give the information to the House rather than announce it in the public Press?
§ Dr. SHIELSIt was desired to give it as soon as possible, and a few days were gained by giving it in this way.