HC Deb 13 April 1938 vol 334 cc1115-6
44. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the exports of sugar, refined and unrefined, respectively, from British Guiana for the years 1936 and 1937, respectively; how much of the unrefined sugar was shipped to Greenock; and what are the prospects of the current sugar crop in that Colony?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Exports of unrefined sugar from British Guiana in 1936 amounted to 176,503 tons, valued at £1,427,682, and in 1937 amounted to 181,569 tons, valued at £1,584,933. I have no record that there was any export of refined sugar. No information is available as to how much unrefined sugar was shipped from British Guiana to Greenock. As regards the last part of the question, I understand that, so far as can be judged at present, the prospects are good.

Mr. Gibson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the situation has been affected by the recent heavy fall in the price of raw sugar?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Yes, throughout all the sugar-producing Colonies. There has been a heavy fall in the world price of sugar, and they are all affected.

Mr. Gibson

In what way does the right hon. Gentleman mean?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

There is not the money to raise the standards in the industry.