HC Deb 09 July 1947 vol 439 cc2198-9
30. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if there is any likelihood of initiating a scheme of State development of part of the hinterland of British Guiana on the lines of the East African groundnut undertaking.

Mr. Creech Jones

The question of the development of the interior of British Guiana will receive careful consideration by the Commission of Inquiry which is shortly to visit the Colony. On the information at present available, it does not seem probable that anything on the lines of the East African groundnut undertaking would be practicable, but I shall await the report of the Commission.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that all previous attempts to settle the Rupununi hinterland, even with Syrians some 30 years ago, have always failed because of very bad health conditions and bad transport?

Mr. Creech Jones

We are very well aware of that, but we must await the report of the Commission.