§ 55. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the statement made in Kingston on 16th January by the Premier of Barbados expressing concern at the delays caused by Her Majesty's Government over the proposed new West Indies Federation, if he will make a statement on the present position of the negotiations and the obstacles preventing early agreement.
§ Mr. SandysA variety of difficulties have arisen. These include differences between the territories regarding the form of federation they desire and differences regarding the degree of financial support to be provided by the British Government. I hope, however, that these difficulties can be sufficiently resolved to enable discussions to be pursued.