HC Deb 13 February 1946 vol 419 cc373-4
15. Mr. Turton

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the scheme proposed before the war for the establishment of peasant smallholdings on the Isle of Mahé, Seychelles, is to be proceeded with; and what steps will be taken to ensure that those to be settled in the area are adequately qualified for intensive settlement.

Mr. George Hall

Owing to labour scarcity and the necessity of ensuring maximum food production in Seychelles during the war it has not been practicable to proceed with the scheme for individual cultivation of peasant smallholdings on the lines originally proposed. Employees on the Department of Agriculture's farm are, however, being trained and educated in improved farming practice, and from these employees it is hoped to select a nucleus of successful settlers.

Mr. Turton

Are we to understand from that reply that this scheme will be proceeded with as soon as labour is available?

Mr. Hall

It will be considered when the labour is available.