§ 42. Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken by the Government of British Guiana to enable rural families to purchase plots for the erection of their own houses with or without financial assistance; whether any model houses have been built by the Government; how many families have copied these models; and whether the Government has any organised plan for the erection of such houses in the counties of Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo.
Mr. Creech JonesAssistance to rural families to purchase land is provided through the Co-operative Credit Bank. The British Guiana Government does not propose itself to erect model houses, but financial assistance is given under the Essequibo Rural Housing Scheme to enable applicants to erect their own houses, and in submitting plans applicants have the assistance of the Government's housing supervisor. Applications have been granted under this scheme for 37 families and many more are under negotiation. No similar scheme yet exists in Demerara and Berbice counties, but the Town and Country Planning Ordinance and Housing Ordinance which have recently been passed by the Legislative Council will facilitate the establishment of rural housing schemes throughout British Guiana.
§ Mr. SkinnardIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that a total of 37 families is in any way adequate to the housing needs in the three counties named and, if so, will he do all he can further to stimulate building?
Mr. Creech JonesI am not satisfied, but the Government in British Guiana have the matter well in hand, and will be driving forward with their new development plans.
§ Captain CrookshankWould the Minister call the attention of the Minister of Health to the admirable arrangement in Essequibo where applicants, according to the answer he has just given, are allowed to erect their own houses?