§ 34. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the result of his inquiries regarding the possibility of industries being established or extended in the British West Indies to help in the re-armament programme.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsWhilst His Majesty's Government are anxious to help the development of industry in the West Indies, the conclusion of the examination made is that, because of shortages of machine tools and raw materials, the possibilities of production specifically to meet the needs of re-armament are slight. Any practicable proposal that may be put forward would, however, receive sympathetic consideration by the authorities concerned.
§ Mr. GammansDoes that mean that the Government are prepared to place re-armament orders in West Germany but not in our own Colonies? Is not this in the long run the best way to relieve the unemployment problem in the West Indies, instead of allowing people to come to this country where there is little hope of their finding a job?
§ Mr. GriffithsI do not know why Germany was dragged into that question. I said that if any practicable proposal is put forward we will consider it.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydDoes it not follow from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that there is no strategic or security reason why secondary industries of this kind should not be encouraged in the West Indies?
§ Mr. GriffithsThe reason that at the moment we do not think it can be done is because of shortage of tools and raw materials, but if practicable proposals come from the West Indies we will consider them.