74. Earl of Dalkeithasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what action he will take to initiate a Caribbean Free Trade Association with representation in the United Kingdom, with a view to encouraging British investment in the West Indies and thereby promoting the sound development of the economies of the individual islands, following recent constitutional changes.
§ Mr. BottomleyIt would be primarily for the West Indies to take the initiative in forming such an Association. Her Majesty's Government are naturally concerned to do all within their means to 51W promote sound economic development in the West Indies, as the hon. Member will know from the steps recently taken by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development, to establish a Development Division in the area.