§ 13. Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any State system of contributory unemployment, health insurance and old age pensions is in operation in Jamaica, Trinidad and British Guiana; if not, whether he contemplates the promotion of such social services in the above British possessions; and what steps he has already taken to achieve that purpose?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe question of introducing an old age pensions scheme in Trinidad from 1st July, 1939, is under consideration by the Colonial Government. Otherwise, so far as I am aware no scheme of the kinds mentioned is at present contemplated in these three Colonies. In the case of Jamaica and British Guiana, the limited financial resources of the Colonies would present an obstacle to the introduction of schemes of this nature, desirable though they be in principle.
§ Mr. RileyDoes the right hon. Gentleman contemplate asking these Colonies to explore the possibility of social service schemes, in view of the fact that only recently I was told, in reply to a question, that 14,000 people are unemployed in Jamaica?
Mr. MacDonaldIt is a fact that these matters are covered by the terms of reference to the Royal Commission to the West Indian Colonies, and I think I would prefer to await their report before taking any initiative in these matters.