HC Deb 09 March 1949 vol 462 cc1176-7
42. Mr. Skinnard

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the resolution, a copy of which has been sent to him, agreed to unanimously by the Central Committee of Primary Producers of Jamaica asking for the incorporation of bulk purchase as a permanent feature of empire economic policy; what is his policy in this respect; and whether he has consulted his right hon. Friend the Minister of Food in relation to it.

Mr. Creech Jones

Yes, Sir. I have considered this resolution. My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer made a statement to the House on the policy of His Majesty's Government on 17th September last. That statement remains the policy of the Government.

Mr. Michael Foot

Since there has been a consistent effort on the part of the Conservative Press of this country to suppress the demand being made by the people of Jamaica and the West Indies in this respect, will my right hon. Friend undertake to circulate this resolution among Members of the Front Opposition Bench so they may be educated in the elementary facts about the British Empire?

Mr. Turton

Arising out of the original reply, has the Secretary of State given a reply saying he will go in for a 10-year contract for sugar, as the Jamaican growers want?

Mr. Creech Jones

As the hon. Member is aware, the contract is until 1952. The future of the contract is a matter which is receiving attention both from the Ministry of Food and myself.

Mr. Blackburn

Will the Secretary of State for the Colonies commend to the attention of hon. Members opposite the admirable letter on this subject which appeared in "The Times" today under the signature of the hon. Member for East Aberdeen (Mr. Boothby)?