HC Deb 31 July 1946 vol 426 c939
41. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made with the rehabilitation of the Solomon Islands.

Mr. George Hall

Steps are being taken to restore the damage caused by the Japanese occupation. The Protectorate capital, which was destroyed, is to be rebuilt. A sum of £800,000 has been allocated under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act for development services in the Solomon and Gilbert and Ellice Islands. Medical, agricultural and other services are in process of being restored and expanded and a new education department is being set up. Despite a serious shortage of shipping, every endeavour is being made to re-establish normal trade.

Mr. Gammans

Would the right hon. Gentleman issue some comprehensive report so that the House might have some idea of the extent of this damage, what its value is in money and who is going to pay for it?

Mr. Hall

I will certainly consider that.