§ Mr. SNELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has 635W received from Sir Francis Watts a Report on the position of the sugar industry in Mauritius; and if and when it will be made public?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe Report has been received, but the set of annexures is not yet complete. The Report will require consideration, and I am unable to give any undertaking as to the exact date of publication. My hon. Friend may, however, rest assured that the Secretary of State fully appreciates both the seriousness of the situation in Mauritius and elsewhere, and the very natural desire of all concerned for an early indication of the Government's decision.
Dr. MORGANasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is the intention to publish immediately both the Reports on the sugar industry in the West Indies and in Mauritius without waiting for a Government decision on the policy to be adopted; and whether the Reports will be available this week?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe Reports, so far as they have been received, are being actively considered in conjunction with the latest information from the several Colonies, but it is impossible at present to state the exact date on which they can be published.