HC Deb 23 January 1962 vol 652 c21
35. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his official visit to The West Indies.

Mr. H. Fraser

My right hon. Friend does not return until 28th January from The West Indies, where discussions are still proceeding.

Mr. Brockway

In view of the regrettable vote by Jamaica against federation, will the hon. Gentleman convey to his right hon. Friend the desire of very many in the House that federation may still be established between Trinidad and neighbouring West Indian islands and extended to British Guiana in South America, and will he seek to facilitate an arrangement by which such a Federation might have independence at the date originally planned for the wider Federation?

Mr. Fraser

These are precisely the sort of problems which my right hon. Friend is now discussing. Of course, there are much more intimate and individual problems with which he has to cope during his visit to The West Indies.