HC Deb 14 February 1939 vol 343 cc1548-9
51. Captain Peter Macdonald

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the increased difficulties of sugar growers in the British West Indies as a result of the low world price for sugar, the forced restriction of their output imposed by the International Sugar Agreement, and the increased rates of wages which have recently been instituted; and whether he will reconsider the desirability of increasing the number of special preference certificates available for British colonial sugar producers until such time as the price of sugar rises to a more reasonable level?

Sir J. Simon

I am aware of the position of sugar growers in the British West Indies, but, as regards the suggestion made in the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply which was given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackburn (Sir W. Smiles) on 21st November last.