§ 66. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations he has had from the West Indies regarding the proposal to grant more advantageous terms to the producers of Cuban sugar and cigars.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsI have received many representations from the West Indies on78W the subject of current trade discussions between the United Kingdom and Cuba. His Majesty's Government are taking them fully into account.
§ 68. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the annual value and volume of cigars imported into this country from Jamaica; approximately the number of persons employed in this Jamaican industry; and in view of the disaster threatened to this industry by the increased importation of Cuban cigars, what steps are to be taken to avert this threat.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsAverage annual imports of Jamaica cigars into the United Kingdom during the past three years were 180,000 lb., valued at approximately £430,000. Cigar factories in Jamaica employ about 1,500 workers all the year round. About three times as many are employed in the field for six months of the year. Cuban cigars are not at present imported into the United Kingdom. Trade discussions with Cuba are still in progress and I am therefore unable to reply to the last part of my hon. Friend's question.