§ 100. Colonel Ponsonbyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the administration of the grant towards the expenses of stabilising the selling price of certain imported and locally-produced commodities in Jamaica up to 30th December, 1946; if the grant has been adequate for its purpose; and if details will be submitted to Parliament.
Mr. Creech JonesYes, Sir. His Majesty's Government have assisted the Government of Jamaica to keep the general cost of living stabilised by grants totalling up to 31st March, 1946, £970,000. This figure, which will require some adjustment when the final accounts have been determined, is in respect of expenditure incurred during the three years ending 30th September, 1945. The question whether and if so what grants should be made in respect of expenditure incurred subsequently to this date, is at present under consideration.
The general object of the grant has been to assist Jamaica to hold the cost of living at approximately 60 per cent. above the prewar level. and this object has been achieved until recently when, owing to increases in the prices of imports from North America and to the appreciation of the Canadian dollar, it has been necessary to allow an increase above this level. As regards the last paragraph of the Question, I will consider as soon as the questions now under examination have been settled, the submission of full details to Parliament.