§ Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the proposals which he has received from the Governments concerned for a federation of Barbados and the Leeward and Windward Islands.
§ Mr. MaudlingI have informed the Governments concerned that Her Majesty's Government have reached the conclusion that a Federation of Barbados and the Leeward and Windward Islands appears to offer the best solution to the problems of the area, provided that the Constitution of the Federation is such as to provide adequate powers to the Federal Government and to offer a reasonable prospect of economic and financial stability. I have proposed to the Governments that there should be a meeting in Barbados early in May, under the chairmanship of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, to discuss the matter.