§ 39. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state what is the present position of the cane-sugar industry in the British West Indies; and what is the condition of employment in those Colonies?
§ Dr. SHIELSFurther correspondence relating to the position of the industry has been laid before Parliament in December in Command Paper 3745 to which I would refer the hon. and gallant Member. There has not been since that date any considerable change in the situation which would enable me usefully to make any further statement at present.
§ Captain MACDONALDIs the hors. Gentleman in constant touch with the Colonies so as to ascertain the conditions?
§ Dr. SHIELSYes, we are in constant touch. I expect to be able to make a further statement when the Supplementary Estimates are considered next week.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREBefore then, will the hon. Gentleman ascertain how many factories for the making of sugar have been closed down?
§ Dr. SHIELSYes, I will try to have as many facts as possible.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYWill the hon. Gentleman put forward practical proposals for alleviating the situation?
§ Dr. SHIELSI shall be very happy to give all the information that I have.