§ 86. Mr. Edmund Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received any interim report from the Commission investigating the possibility of large-scale settlement of refugees in British Guiana?
Mr. M. MacDonaldNo, Sir. The possibility of an interim report has been suggested to the Commission, but in the meantime I have received information that its members are meeting in New York this week to consider the drafting of what, I understand, will be a final report.
§ Sir Stanley ReedIn any question of the closer settlement of British Guiana will my right hon. Friend give first place to the over-populated islands of the West Indies?
§ 87. Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether consideration has recently been given to the possibility of close settlement of refugees on the higher-lying land of British Honduras; and whether he can make any stetement as to facilities being given for such settlement?
Mr. MacDonaldI have had this matter in mind, but it is one which has to be considered in relation to other interests besides those raised in the hon. Member's question. There is a serious over-population problem in certain West Indian Colonies, and it is possible that a partial solution to this might be afforded by emigration to British Honduras. Pending the Report of the West India Royal Commission, I do not feel in a position to say whether the possibility of close settlement of European refugees in the Colony could be taken into serious consideration.