Colonel A. Evansasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that Cuba stores large quantities of raw sugar for periods upwards of three years with polarisation well maintained; and, in view of the fact that permanent storage accommodation can be erected in Jamaica and other West Indian islands at a cost of £1 per ton of sugar stored, he will arrange for raw sugar supplies to be available in the Colonies for immediate shipment in case of national emergency as well as in this country, as such a policy will materially assist the Colonies in their present economic plight and in no way departs from the terms of the International Sugar Agreement?
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§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI do not consider that my hon. and gallant Friend's proposal is justified on defence grounds. He will appreciate the advantage of holding reserves in this country against the contingency of war. I should add that I have ascertained that all sugar available for export from the West Indies has been sold and that none is likely to be available for storage in the near future.