§ 20. Mr. Mathersasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction in British Guiana regarding the smallness of the sums granted under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act; why the proposals of the Welfare Commission are not discussed in the Legislative Council, who wish to see progress made with land settlement and workere housing schemes; and whether he will ensure that substantial advance is made in these directions?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanNo, Sir. Ten schemes have already been approved, involving free grants of £50,843, while it is hoped that another five schemes for free grants amounting to £25,897 will be approved shortly. A number of other applications are being considered. Under wartime conditions, progress so far may be regarded as satisfactory.
§ Mr. MathersWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to my point with regard to the Legislative Council discussing the programme of work that requires to be done?
§ Mr. MacmillanThe Controller's recommendations are, no doubt, considered by the Executive Council, which includes some of the elected members of the Legislative Council, but it would not be appropriate that consideration should in all cases be given to the details of the scheme by the full Legislative Council.