§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is being done to improve sea communications between the United Kingdom and the West Indies and to ensure continuance of existing air communications between each of the West Indian Colonies.
Mr. Creech JonesI am in communication with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport with a view to the improvement of sea communications between the United Kingdom and the West Indies as soon as this is possible. Meanwhile, arrangements have been made for the Imperial Shipping Committee to survey the shipping needs of the West Indian Colonies, and to consider what services will be required to meet the future needs of that area and how these services can best be provided. Air services are already operating between most of the West Indian Colonies and it is hoped to extend those services to other islands which are not at present served as soon as the necessary landing facilities can be made available.