HC Deb 13 April 1932 vol 264 c827
19. Mr. HURD

(for Mr. PURBRICK) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the yield in sugar per acre from cane in Java has recently reached the figure of approximately six tons; and whether, in view of the fact that this figure is in excess of the yield per acre obtained in the British West Indian Colonies, he can state what steps are being taken to bring to the notice of West Indian growers the possibilities arising out of the latest research work in this connection?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I am aware that very high yields of sugar are obtained in Java. It does not follow that methods used in Java will be equally successful in the very different conditions of the British West Indies, but the various Colonial Departments of Agriculture are kept fully informed of the results of research work in Java and elsewhere through printed reports, by visits by research experts and by the distribution of new varieties of cane.