§ Mr. T. SUMMERBELLasked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that there is a general desire in British Guiana to establish a banana industry; and whether the Government can do anything by way of encouraging an export trade in bananas?
§ Colonel SEELYThe Secretary of State has not received any representations on the subject from the Colony. Perhaps my hon. Friend will be good enough to furnish me with such information as he has in his possession.
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked whether, in connection with the Committee of Inquiry into Coolie Indentured Labour, the decision not to receive any witnesses from the People's Association of British Guiana can be reconsidered with a view to opinion in British Guiana being fully put before the Committee?
§ Colonel SEELYThe Committee have had before them a letter from the Association dated 23rd July, stating that a Memorandum on the whole labour question in the Colony was in course of preparation. They are awaiting the receipt of the Memorandum, and have caused the 1465 Association to be so informed. The decision as to summoning witnesses on behalf of the Association will not be finally taken until the Memorandum has been considered.
§ Mr. J. D. REESMay I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he has any information showing to what extent the People's Association of British Guiana represents the people of British Guiana?
§ Colonel SEELYThat is a very difficult question to answer in the case of all kinds of associations.
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the Under-Secretary whether he is aware that the Legislature of British Guiana some time ago declared in favour of the undertaking of irrigation and drainage schemes for the successful exploiting of the minor industries of an essentially agricultural country such as British Guiana; and whether he can state what steps, if any, have been taken to give effect to the declaration of the Legislature?
§ Colonel SEELYA Committee was appointed by the Governor in 1906 to consider a scheme for irrigation works on the Corentyne coast, but they reported that the scheme was not feasible. It would appear from the Committee's report to be doubtful whether any practicable scheme would be acceptable to the inhabitants of the localities concerned. In the Abary district experiments are being made by private enterprise with a view to the cultivation of rice on a large scale, and it is understood that if these experiments are successful a large area of Crown land "will be taken up for the purpose. I may add that the present Colonial Engineer of British Guiana was selected for the appointment on account of his knowledge and experience of irrigation works.