23.
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the hardship experienced by the people of Barbados due to the shortage of firewood; and whether the Government are taking any steps to improve the position?
Yes, Sir, I am aware of the shortage of firewood in Barbados, and the Colonial Government are doing what they can to meet the position. But there are grave difficulties, owing to the lack of timber on the island itself and the shortage of supplies from Trinidad and the Windward Islands, due partly to the lack of shipping and partly to the necessity for maintaining the existing forests in those islands to avoid soil erosion.
In view.of the urgency of this matter, may we take it that the Minister is doing his best to rectify the position?
Yes, Sir, the hon. Member is quite right. This is a serious difficulty, one of the many caused by' shipping difficulties in that area, and I will give it attention.