Mr. David Adams:

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether, as the Government is the largest user of cement in Jamaica and British and Canadian supplies are now difficult to obtain, it is intended to erect and manage a cement factory in Jamaica, thereby meeting urgent demands and contributing towards a reduction of unemployment in the islands?

For the reasons given in answer to a Question by my hon. Friend on 7th August, it has not been found possible to proceed with the proposal for the erection of a cement factory in Jamaica at the present time, but this decision is subject to review from time to time in the light of changes in the supply situation.

Mr. Adams:

In view of the fact that this matter is looked upon as an urgent one in Jamaica, is it likely that a change will take place if a Question is put down subsequently?

Not for some time, I am afraid. There is the difficulty of obtaining machinery and steel and there is also the difficulty of the dollar exchange.

If a cement factory were fixed up, would it mean that cement would have to be imported into this country? Are not we in a position to supply it in this country?

I understand that there is no difficulty about supplying the cement from this end.