§ 12. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether his attention has been called to the increase of Panama disease among the banana crops of the West Indies; and whether, in these circumstances, he will agree to nothing at the International Sugar Conference which will reduce the ability of these islands to absorb unemployed natives in increased sugar production?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreI am only too well aware of the spread of Panama disease, particularly in Jamaica, and of the difficulties which threaten to arise there in consequence; but having regard to the considerations referred to in my reply to the hon. Member for Clayton (Mr. Jagger) on 24th March, I cannot give an unqualified pledge in the sense requested.