§ 63. Mr. Edmund Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the urgent need for the construction of a motor road to the highlands of British Guiana emphasised by the report of the Commission to inquire into the possibility of the close settlement of refugees in that Colony, he will arrange for a grant to be made from the Colonial Development Fund for this purpose?
§ 65. Mr. Asshetonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much it will cost to build a satisfactory road into the interior of British Guiana; how long will its construction take; and how will the money be obtained?
Mr. M. MacDonaldAs my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stated in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) on 12th May, His Majesty's Government are prepared, on certain conditions set out in his answer, themselves to provide the arterial communications required to meet the needs of any large scale settlement in the interior of British Guiana. The question of providing a road does not, therefore, arise for the present, and I regret that I am unable to furnish estimates of cost and time. But it would cost a very considerable sum of money.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartWill my right hon. Friend consider using the Development Fund for the encouragement of industry in British Guiana?
Mr. MacDonaldThat is a matter that has to be considered when the industrial survey has been completed and a report made.
§ 64. Mr. Asshetonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in connection with the report of the British Guiana Refugee Commission, by which route precisely it is proposed that the refugees should reach the interior of British Guiana; what means of transport will be used; and how precisely will the aboriginal Indians who now inhabit the interior of British Guiana be protected?
Mr. MacDonaldI regret that I am not yet in a position to furnish the information asked for by my hon. Friend. The precise answer to the first two parts of the question will depend upon the scheme decided upon by the refugee organisations, and they are now considering this matter. The measures which will be necessary to preserve the rights and interests of the aboriginal Indians will also depend on the scheme of settlement ultimately decided upon.
§ Mr. AsshetonDoes my right hon. Friend think it right to raise the hopes of these unfortunate refugees unless he is very sure that events will justify his doing so?
Mr. MacDonaldWe have made it clear in a statement in the House that the prospects depend entirely upon the experimental agricultural settlements and a survey of industrial possibilities.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherCan the right hon. Gentleman say what form of protection the aboriginal Indians will require, following the introduction of these refugees? Will it be physical, financial or ethical?