§ Mr. Iremongerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if a commission of inquiry is now being appointed by the Governor of Fiji to report on the sugar industry.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodYes. I am sure that the House will be glad to know that Sir Malcolm Trustram Eve, Bart., G.B.E., M.C., T.D., Q.C., has been appointed as Chairman. I have no doubt that he will enjoy the fullest co-operation and trust of all those concerned in the industry. Sir Malcolm will be aided by two Commissioners, Mr. C. J. M. Bennett, F.C.A., of Barton Mayhew & Co., and Mr. I. S. Wheatley of the Colonial Office. The Commission will start work in January.
The Commission's terms of reference are:
to examine and report on the organisation, operation, economic position and prospects of the sugar industry in Fiji, and on the advisability of establishing a statutory sugar board; and to make recommendations to ensure that:—
- (a) the manner in which the industry is organised, operated and developed is to the best advantage of the Colony; and
- (b) relations between all those concerned in the industry are on a satisfactory basis; and
- (c) fair and equitable returns are received by the various sections of the industry, having regard to prices obtained for the sale of sugar and its by-products both locally and overseas.
If the establishment of a statutory sugar board is considered advisable, to make recommendations as to the composition and function of such a board