asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the acute shortage of kerosene for domestic lighting in Jamaica; that kerosene is the only means of artificial lighting for great sections of the people in Jamaica; that in many of the poorer districts the people have been without any kerosene for many months; and can be make a statement as to the supply, distribution and price of kerosene in the rural areas of Jamaica?

I am aware of the hardships which have been caused by the reduction of supplies of kerosene to Jamaica. A similar reduction has been imposed upon all the Caribbean territories on account of shipping difficulties. I have no information as to the supply, distribution and price of kerosene in the rural areas of Jamaica, but I am asking the Governor to furnish me with a report.

Have the local Government taken any steps to ration the supply of kerosene?

I know that they have been taking steps, and it is that I am trying to find out from them.