39. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any conversations are in progress between the British and the United States Governments on the question of economic collaboration in the West Indies; and whether any steps are likely to be taken by the two Governments for the promotion of social and economic development throughout the Caribbean region?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. George Hall)I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Sir P. Hurd) on 21st January. I have nothing to add at present.
Mr. Creech JonesWhat progresss is being made, and is some understanding likely to be reached? May I remind the Minister of the very great importance of obtaining some economic understanding between the West Indies and the United States?
§ Mr. HallConsultation; are still going on, but, since they commenced, America has come into the war, and no doubt is preoccupied with that very important task at the moment.