HC Deb 17 November 1930 vol 245 cc43-4
98. Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any replies have yet been received from the Governors in the West Indies and British Guiana to the dispatch of the Secretary of State, dated 12th September, in which he called for reports on the condition of the sugar industry; if so, whether he will publish the reports; and, if not, what is the cause of the delay?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Dr. Drummond Shiels)

My Noble Friend has re ceived replies from the Governors of Trinidad, Barbados, and the Leeward Islands. The reply from British Guiana is outstanding, but, in view of the time taken in the passage of mails, it can hardly yet be said to have been delayed. The question of publication will receive consideration.

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

If it be decided to publish these reports, may we have them before the Supplementary Estimate is taken?

Dr. SHIELS

As the hon. Baronet is aware, a White Paper has just been published, with a considerable selection of correspondence, and in the ordinary course we should not be likely to publish again for some time.

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

In view of the fact that the Supplementary Estimate is specifically directed towards supplying the need caused by unemployment, and that there is no report included in the White Paper on this question for many months past, will not the hon. Gentleman represent the desirability of having a further publication?

Dr. SHIELS

Certainly, I shall be glad to do so.

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