asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any interim report has been, or will be, requested from the Commission now visiting the British West Indies?

Mr. M. MacDonald:

No, Sir; I have consulted the chairman of the Royal Commission who considers that the submission of an interim report would delay the preparation of the final report.

In view of the great delay which must necessarily occur, before the final report is forthcoming can the right hon. Gentleman get in touch with the chairman and get some observations from him at an early date?

Mr. MacDonald:

I understand that the chairman will be in this country before many weeks are passed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any decision has yet been arrived at in connection with the stabilisation of wages in the islands of the British West Indies?

Mr. MacDonald:

Increases of wages have recently been given in some industries in most of the Colonies concerned but no general standardisation such as the hon. and learned Member apparently has in mind, is under consideration. Wage rates must vary in each industry and each Colony according to local conditions.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider the improvement satisfactory?

Mr. MacDonald:

It is better than it was.