§ 25. Mr. Rileyasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information regarding the general shortage of food and the recent acute rise in food prices in the West Indian islands; and whether he can make a statement as to the measures now being taken to meet this shortage?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanThe shipping situation has led to difficulty in maintaining normal imports of food into the British West Indies, and the interruption of usual channels of supply, combined with increases in freights and insurance, has increased the cost of such supplies. Special steps have, however, been taken to relieve particular local shortages and I have no information of any large general rise in the cost of living. Following on recent consideration by the Anglo-American Caribbean Commission and by a specially convened conference of supply officers of the British and American territories in the Caribbean, urgent measures are being taken to arrange bulk purchases on Government account in North America, to organise local shipping on the most economical basis, and to increase still 1043 further the local production of food. In certain of the Colonies bulk purchases of food are being re-sold by the Governments at a loss in order to prevent further rises in the cost of living, and in all retail prices are controlled.
§ Mr. RileyHave any food production committees been established, and is any system of food rationing now in operation?
§ Mr. MacmillanThat is another question. The shortages referred to in this Question were found to have arisen rather suddenly as a result of the present shipping situation in the Caribbean.
§ Mr. SorensenCould not the principle of granting a subsidy for certain foodstuffs, which operates in this country, be also applied to the basic foodstuffs of the natives in these islands?
§ Mr. MacmillanYes, Sir. That principle is being extended and applied.