HC Deb 11 December 1906 vol 167 cc126-7
MR. J. WARD

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the †See (4) Debrtes, clxvi., 580–582. Colonies if he can state what measures have been adopted in British Guiana to improve the condition of the labouring classes; and whether, in view of the recent strike disturbances, he will consider the expediency of placing the Crown lands within the easy reach of the working population, and so encourage the general development of the Colony.

MR. CHURCHILL

In view of the agitation that occurred last year in Georgetown, the Governor of British Guiana in March last appointed a representative Commission to inquire into the best means of inducing the unemployed in the Colony and those who have not the means to obtain land in the ordinary way, to settle upon the land and ultimately to acquire ownership in it. The Colonial Government have recently voted funds for carrying out experimentally the proposals of that Commission. The Secretary of State is advised that every facility is given to those desirous of obtaining Crown lands by purchase, and that no amendment of the existing Crown Land Regulations is necessary to enable the working population to obtain such lands on reasonable terms.