§ 14. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what proportion of the unemployment relief grant to British Guiana will be given in the form of a loan; on what terms the loan will be offered; and has the Colony indicated its willingness to accept loan money in lieu of grant?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Dr. Drummond Shiels)As the hon. and gallant Member is aware a sum of £112,000 was included in the Supplementary Estimate for the current financial year in respect of relief works in British Guiana. Of this sum, £40,000 has been allocated as a loan to the Colony, on terms to be prescribed later, to provide for the improvement of labour and other conditions on sugar estates. This loan was given subject to an assurance that the Colony would undertake to impose some special form of taxation when the industry is again prosperous, the proceeds of which will be allocated as to one-half for the repayment of the loan, and one-half for the creation of a fund to assist the industry when necessary. This assurance has been given by a resolution of the local Legislature. The provision of further assistance of this nature in the coming financial year is under consideration.
§ Captain MACDONALDCan the hon. Gentleman say if there has been any improvement in conditions in British Guiana?
§ Dr. SHIELSNo; I are afraid they remain very much the same.