HC Deb 07 April 1954 vol 526 c350
29. Mr. D. Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now give figures showing by how much the territories of Bermuda, Bahamas and Jamaica benefited from the American tourist trade in the last year for which figures are available.

Mr. Lyttelton

It is difficult to be exact, but estimates in respect of 1953 amount to about £4 million for the Bahamas, £4 million for Jamaica and £8 million for Bermuda. These estimates do not take account of expenditure by the territories on dollar imports for tourist trade purposes.

Mr. Jones

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Bahamas there is a colour bar in the hotels just as there is in Jamaica? Is it not possible that if the colour bar were removed from Bermuda and the Bahamas, there would be a greater influx of tourists into those countries?

Mr. Lyttelton

I am afraid that I cannot indulge in hypothetical conjectures on this matter.