§ 51. Mr. DONNERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the petition sent from the Administrator of Nevis, signed by a number of leading residents in the island, with regard to cane sugar, and their inability to purchase the necessary number of shares in the Nevis (Cane Garden) Cooperative Sugar Factory, Limited, at the present time; and whether, in view of the urgency of the matter, he will give it sympathetic consideration?
§ Major GEORGE DAVIES (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend has received and considered the petition. The Administrator of St. Kitts-Nevis and the Governor of the Leeward Islands were not able to support it, and the Presidency's financial position does not admit of the desired assistance being granted from Government funds. In these circumstances my right hon. Friend regrets that he has been unable to return a favourable reply.
§ Sir CHARLES OMANOn a point of Order. Would it be possible to appeal to Members of the House to stop these constant private conversations, which make it impossible to hear the answers of any Minister who does not possess a very powerful voice?
§ Mr. DONNERArising out of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's reply, would he consider increasing the facilities for the transport of sugar cane from Nevis to St. Kitts, which is, after all, only a few miles away?
§ Major DAVIESI will convey my hon. Friend's suggestion to my right hon. Friend.