Inquiry Into

[?]Mediate Official

[?] Sugar Industry

ie Commission of Inquiry into

Fiji Sugar Industry will conduct

iperations in two stages.

E establishment of the com nission follows a resolution and i long debate at the September on of the Fiji Legislative Coun and a resolution submitted by B. D. Lakshman (president of Fiji Sugar Workers’ Union and m Member of the Council for North-Western Division) which Government amended slightly, iring the debate, several un ,al members strongly criticised actions of leaders of some of cane-farmers’ unions, ose leaders, during earlier tiations for a new sugar agree ; following the expiry in May 10-years agreement, consist opposed proposals by Govem ; and CSR Company for a Com ,on of Inquiry into the industry, e Secretary of State for the lies (Mr. lain Macleod) an ced the personnel of the Com on in the House of Commons in December:

Sir Malcolm Trustram

a UK Queen’s Council, who been associated with many in es, chairman.

Mr. C. J. M. Bennett, A

w of the Institute of Chartered untants.

Mr. Ivison S. Wheatley,

e Colonial Office. Mr. Wheatley be the Commission’s secretary. - . i Terms of Reference e Commission’s terms of refer are: examine and report on the lisation, operation, economic ion and prospects of the sugar ;try in Fiji; and on the ab ility of establishing a statutory • board; and to make recom lations to ensure that— rhe manner in which the in y is organised, operated and oped is to the best advantage e Colony; delations between all those •rned in the industry are on a actory basis; 7 air and equitable returns are fed by the various sections of ndustry, having regard to the obtained for the sale of sugar its by-products, both locally )verseas. 3 Commissioners, in a Press nent, said that if a Statutory r Board was considered advis

able, they would make recommenda tions about the composition and functions of the board.

Messrs. Bennett and Wheatley will conduct Stage 1 of the inquiry, commencing mid-January, and hope to finish this by the middle of February. This work will include the collection of facts from all relevant sources (including the production of books and documents), consulta tions with interested parties, and visits and inspections.

They have invited growers, millers and all those interested in the In quiry to send the secretary of the Commission written representation giving their views on any questions within the terms of reference, and whether or not they wish to appear at a public hearing.

These written representations must be with the secretary before January 27.

Stage 1 is expected to give the commissioners a broad picture of

the industry.

Stage 2 will begin when the Chairman arrives in Fiji. The Com mission, in February, will conduct public hearings at which those who have made earlier submissions will have a chance to amplify their points. Stage 2 should be complete by mid-March, and the Governor of Fiji has asked the Commission to Report, if at all possible, by end of May.