§ 40. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Food what arrangements his Department are making to obtain additional sugar supplies from Jamaica.
§ Mr. WebbI can only repeat—what I have said so many times—that my Department has already undertaken to purchase all the sugar Jamaica can send us until the end of 1952. Production is increasing and, if as I hope, she can send us more sugar next year, we shall certainly want it all. After 1952 Jamaica will, of course, participate in the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement, which provides for exports from the West Indies substantially increased above present levels.
§ Mr. NabarroHas the Minister any comment to make on the statement made at the Guildhall on 23rd October last to the effect that he was not taking all the sugar offered by Jamaica and that the housewives of Britain should rise in revolt against him, that statement being made by the Speaker of the Jamaica Parliament?
§ Mr. WebbI would hesitate to comment on any statement made by any Speaker, but I judge that Mr. Campbell was speaking about the ultimate arrangements, and not about present supplies. It is a fact that we are taking, and will take, all the sugar now being sent.