asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Report of the Commission on the Sugar Industry in the British West Indian Colonies is likely to be received; whether the members of the Commission are being paid any fees in addition to travelling expenses and subsistence allowances; and, if so, of what amounts and who will bear the cost of such payments?

The Commission have just returned to this country and my Noble Friend expects to receive their Report at an early date. Fees amounting to £1,207 10s. are being paid to the members of the Commission, in addition to travelling expenses and subsistence allowances. The total cost of the Commission is being borne by the Colonies visited, and the expenditure will be allocated between them.

Is there any precedent for the whole cost of a Commission of Inquiry sent out at the request of a Colony, being borne by the Colony, and, as these Colonies happen to be very poor, why has not the precedent, whereby portions of the expense is borne by the Imperial taxpayer, been followed in this case?

I understand that this arrangement was agreed to between the Colonies concerned and the Government.

Is it not quite a new departure to pay fees to members of a Commission like this in addition to their expenses?

I must have notice of that question.

What was the payment made to the Chairman of that Commission?

I shall require notice of that question also.

Can we have the names of the Commission?