§ 41 Mr. Russellasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when he will be able to restore the cuts made last year in imports into the British West Indies from Canada.
Mr. DugdaleI assume that the hon. Member has in mind the reductions in dollar imports made by the Colonial Governments last year, in common with the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries. I cannot say when the dollar position of the sterling area will make it possible for Colonial territories to increase their dollar imports.
§ Mr. RussellIs the right hon. Gentlemen aware that these cuts were made at the request of the United Kingdom Government? Are they not causing very bad relations between this country and the West Indies, and would he urge that they be restored at the earliest possible moment?
Mr. DugdaleAll countries in the sterling area did, in fact, agree to make certain reductions in their dollar imports, and this is one of many.
§ Mr. Peter SmithersDoes the right hon. Gentleman not realise how particularly closely these Colonies are linked with the dollar area, and how especially important it is in their case?