§ 17. Sir C. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will issue a White Paper setting out the causes of the breakdown of the Federation of the West Indies, and his reasons for proposing a new form of federation.
§ Mr. MaudlingI refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made in the House on 6th February.
§ Sir C. OsborneWill my right hon. Friend confirm that the Federation of the West Indies broke down largely because the Jamaican Government refused to share their prosperity with the smaller and poorer islands surrounding it? If that be true, why should not we apply the same principle to Jamaicans who want to come here?
§ Mr. MaudlingThe reasons for the breakdown of the Federation are rather complex and difficult to deal with in question and answer. We shall probably have a chance to discuss the matter at greater length when we consider the legislation which has been foreshadowed.
§ Sir C. OsborneBut may we have those reasons in a White Paper so that we can all understand them?