§ 27. Mr. C. WILLIAMSasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information showing the present state of the West Indian sugar industry?
§ Mr. PALINGAs the reply is long, I propose, with the hon. Member's consent, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the reply:
§ The following is a brief summary of the latest position as regards the West Indian sugar industry.
§ British Guiana.—Unemployment continues to increase but otherwise there has been little change since November, 1930. No estates have as yet gone out of cultivation. Most estates are reported to have had a satisfactory year so far as yields are concerned.
§ Barbados.—Unemployment is considerable and the position has been adversely affected by a severe drought, which has caused the failure of food crops in some districts.
§ Trinidad.—There has been little change since the report of November, 1930, published in Cmd. 3745, but some cane farmers are reported to have gone out of cultivation. On the largest estate the general position is said to be normal but on some other estates employment has been further restricted.
§ Antigua.—Owing to the drought, the production in 1931 will be the smallest for 50 years. Owing to severe unemployment relief work has had to be provided on a considerable scale.
§ St. Kitts.—The prolonged drought in 1930 has severely affected the crop. The yield is estimated at from 12,000 to 13,500 tons as compared with last season's yield of 18,700 tons. Ordinary employment is scarce and much public assistance is necessary.
§ St. Lucia.—At the present time crops are being taken and employment is consequently maintained. Both labour and wages have, however, been considerably reduced, and there is anxiety regarding the situation which may arise when the present crop has been taken off.