§ 9. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to make a statement on the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade which operates harshly on the trade and industry of the West Indies, indicating what steps he proposes to take to mitigate the hardships caused thereby.
§ Mr. P. ThorneycroftHer Majesty's Government are at present examining the problems of the British West Indies in the light of the special provisions for assisting the Colonies described in the statement of policy on the G.A.T.T. (Cmd. 9413).
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Minister realise that he is being really unfair to the West Indies, particularly to Jamaica, which stands greatly in need of economic aid from this country? Will he not be a bit more explicit, especially at a time when the federation of the West Indies may be imperilled by his contumacity?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftThe hon. and learned Gentleman will remember that I negotiated special arrangements which I think will be of some assistance in this case.