§ 38. Mr. Peter Smithersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take in view of the Report of the Commission on the establishment of a Customs Union in the British Caribbean area; and whether he will make a statement.
§ 39. Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress is being made in establishing a Caribbean Customs Union.
Mr. DugdaleThe Report referred to was published on 1st February. It is an important contribution to closer union between the British Caribbean territories and my right hon. Friend has commended it to the Governors concerned for the earnest consideration of their Legislatures, upon whose decision the formation of a Customs Union, as recommended by the Commission, primarily depends.
§ Mr. SmithersCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is a target date by which he hopes the Legislatures will have completed their consideration of this Report?
Mr. DugdaleNo, Sir, I do not think we can state a date, but we hope that they will complete consideration as soon as possible. It is up to them to offer that consideration.
§ Mr. BraineCan the right hon. Gentleman say what sort of reception is being given to the Report by the Legislatures concerned, which already have had an opportunity of discussing it?
Mr. DugdaleNo, Sir. Each Legislature will, obviously, come to its own conclusions. I cannot at the moment give detailed results of those conclusions.