HC Deb 27 September 1939 vol 351 cc1320-1
30. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he intends to implement the recommendations of the West Indian Royal Commission and the West African Commission on the cocoa industry; or whether this has to be suspended during the present war?

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

The West India Royal Commission has not yet reported, and the question of implementing its recommendations does not therefore, at present, arise. As regards the report of the West African Cocoa Commission, the outbreak of war has materially affected the prospects of the cocoa industry, and the new situation is receiving my urgent attention.

Mr. Sorensen

Can we take it from the reply of the right hon. Gentleman that when the recommendations are published there will be no hesitation in applying them, if circumstances permit, during the continuation of the war.

Mr. MacDonald

That is another question, and perhaps the hon. Member will put it down.