§ 20. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the deliberations of the recent conference on Jamaica; and, in particular, what consideration has been given to the need of financial and other aid for the small West Indian islands now that the Federation is to be dissolved.
§ Mr. MaudlingA White Paper on the Jamaica Conference will be published simultaneously here and in Jamaica on 19th February and I would ask the hon. Member to wait for that.
§ Mr. SorensenMeanwhile, can an assurance be given that financial aid will be granted to the eight West Indian islands other than Trinidad and Jamaica in view of the very great suffering which otherwise they are bound to have?
§ Mr. MaudlingSubstantial aid to these islands is continuing, but the question of the long-term future of the islands 1505 must await a discussion of the whole constitutional position in the West Indies.
§ Mr. G. M. ThomsonIs the Secretary of State aware that the possibility of rescuing something from the wreckage of the Federation may not last very long? Will he act as quickly as possible to give every encouragement he can to the smaller islands and Barbados to come together in unity if that is their wish?
§ Mr. MaudlingYes. I want to rescue as much as possible. I want to rescue things which are going to stay afloat.