HC Deb 23 February 1938 vol 332 c336
17. Mr. Ridley

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is taking steps to set up the Royal Commission on emigration to and settlement in the West Indies recommended by the commission on labour disturbances in Barbados?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

As I stated on 9th February, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones), I am awaiting the considered proposals of the Colonial Government on the recommendations of the commission. While the desirability of providing outlets for the excess population in Barbados is fully recognised, it appears very doubtful whether so large a number of persons as 20,000 could be found willing to emigrate. In any event, I am doubtful whether the appointment of a Royal Commission is the best way of endeavouring to find some solution of this problem.

Mr. Ridley

Has the right hon. Gentleman abandoned the idea of setting up any form of inquiry at any time? If I put a question down later, will he give a more definite reply?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

No, I think it would be wrong to adduce that. Certainly, I think a Royal Commission is out of the question. It is a question of finding out (a) whether any of the people of Barbados wish to emigrate, and (b) if they do, whether they can be accommodated in St. Lucia, British Guiana or some other part of the West Indies. That is entirely a question for technical examination, and I do not think a commission could possibly help.

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