§ 45. Mr. PURBRICKasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of taking steps to implement at an early date the recommendations made by the Imperial Sugar Cane Research Conference in London, 1931, with regard to the desirability of extending research work in India, Australia, Mauritius, the West Indies, and other sugar-producing areas of the British Empire, with a view to ascertaining whether it would be possible to make the Empire entirely self-supporting as far as sugar is concerned, and how this could be accomplished in the most efficient manner?
§ The LORD PRESIDENT of the COUNCIL (Mr. Baldwin)The extension of research work in the territories in question is primarily a matter for the consideration of the Governments concerned. I may, however, say that grants of £2,000 per annum for five years to Mauritius, £2,000 for one year to Barbados, and £1,000 for one year to British Guiana have already been made by the Empire Marketing Board for sugar cane research work in those Colonies. In addition, the Board have made an estimated provision for the coming year of £5,000 towards the cost of contemplated developments in the West Indian area, in accordance with the recommendations of the Imperial Sugar Cane Research Conference.
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether these grants-in-aid have become necessary because of the extensive subsidies given to the sugar produced at home?
§ Mr. BALDWINThat is a Departmental question.