§ 30. Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the approximate acreage of land acquired by the Government of Jamaica for land settlement as recommended by the West Indian Royal Commission since the recommendation was made; and whether it is now the policy in land settlement in Jamaica to concentrate on leasehold tenancies as distinct from freehold ownership?
§ Colonel Stanley18,994 acres were purchased in 1940–41 and 2,173 acres in 1941–42, a total of 21,167 acres. No later statistics are available. This land was acquired from loan funds authorised by the Legislative Council in 1938 for purchase by settlers by instalments on a freehold basis. It is hoped to introduce the leasehold system in the case of future settlements financed by the Colonial Development and Welfare Vote, though I am informed that there is some opposition locally to this system.