40. Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the prospective number of refugees to be settled in British Guiana, and the pro-1450spective date of the beginning of the same?
Mr. M. MacDonaldThe tentative proposals under consideration by the refugee organisations in this country and in the United States contemplate an experimental settlement of from 250 to 500 persons, to be started with the despatch of a pioneer party in the autumn of this year. The ultimate number to be settled under the proposals would depend on the results of the experimental settlement, and of the further inquiries which the proposals contemplate into the agricultural and industrial possibilities of the interior.
Mr. AdamsIn view of the fact that the report with regard to British Guiana indicated that experimental settlements would be made of 5,000 persons and upwards, is it not intended to carry the matter out on a larger scale?
Mr. MacDonaldThis is a matter for decision by the refugee authorities. They are considering very carefully the possibility of an experiment on the scale suggested in the report, and seem likely to come to the conclusion which I have indicated in reply to the question.
§ Commander Locker-LampsonWould it not cost more to send one man to this district than to send 10 to Palestine?
§ Sir Richard AclandCan the right hon. Gentleman give an idea of the number of people who will form the pioneer party? Is it tens, or hundreds?
Mr. MacDonaldThe matter is still under consideration by the refugee authorities, and I would prefer not to give any answer until they have reached a final conclusion on the matter, which I hope will be the case in the very near future.