§ 98. Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONasked 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 44 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-THOMSONIf it be decided to publish these reports, may we have them before the Supplementary Estimate is taken?
§ Dr. SHIELSAs 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-THOMSONIn 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. SHIELSCertainly, I shall be glad to do so.