asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will consult with the Service Departments and the Ministry of Supply regarding the possibility of setting up a small arms factory in Jamaica, where there is a surplus of labour, and of giving orders for equipment, such as boots, to factories which already exist in the island, with a view to making better use of the industrial possibilities of the Commonwealth.

The question of the participation of Jamaica in the re-armament programme is being examined. There are, however, many obstacles, and it would be unwise to count on any immediate or appreciable expansion of industrial production there to meet needs created by re-armament.

Does that answer mean that, in spite of the fact that, as the Government realise, over 500,000 people in this country have to be transferred from productive industry to rearmament, no attempt whatsoever is to be made to utilise surplus labour in Jamaica and Barbados?

All I am seeking to do is to point out that there are difficulties. The matter is being examined.