asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if he will make a statement on the discussions which have been proceeding with representative sugar growers from the West Indies on the subject of a long-term minimum price guarantee; and whether early opportunity will be taken to consult with, colonial primary producers generally on this matter, in view of its vital importance to national economies.

I received a delegation representing the West India Committee and the British West Indies Sugar Association on 13th September, and discussed fully with them the question of giving some security as regards future prices. I was not able to make any promise of a long-term guarantee of prices, but I informed the delegation that the importance of stability of prices from the point of view of the long-term planning of the industry was very fully appreciated by His Majesty's Government.