§ Mr. W. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the demand of the St. Kitts Workers' League and the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Union that the Government salt ponds in the island of Anguilla should be operated and controlled by the Government; and whether he will take steps to prevent the lease of the salt ponds being granted to private interests.
Mr. Creech JonesI am aware of this request. The Anguilla salt ponds have been leased by the Government since 1894 to a local family. The last extension of this lease expires on 31st March, 1949, and the question of the working of the ponds by the Government will then be considered.