§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any representations have recently 1119W been made to him on the part of the people of Demerara on the improvement of the sugar industry in that colony; whether he is aware that 1,000,000 tons of sugar per annum can be produced in British Guiana, where climate and soil are favourable for the growth of sugar cane, and that the immediate need of the sugar industry in this colony is an adequate supply of suitable labour; whether, in view of the stoppage of the emigration of indentured labour from India to British Guiana, an arrangement can be made with the Indian Government for the employment of free labour; and whether, seeing that Chinese coolies desire to work in British Guiana, and that the people of British Guiana are willing to employ them, an arrangement will be made with the Chinese Government for the emigration of Chinese coolies?
§ Lieutenant-Colonel AMERYRepresentations have been received with regard to the improvement and development of the sugar industry in British Guiana, and to the difficult problems connected with the supply of labour in the colony. My hon. Friend can rest assured that His Majesty's Government are alive to the possibilities of expansion of the industry, and are prepared to give careful consideration to any practical suggestions put forward with a view to improving the labour situation.