§ 21. Mr. Turtonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present number of unemployed persons in 382 Jamaica; and what steps are being taken to relieve unemployment in this Colony.
Mr. Creech JonesWith regard to the first part of this Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for South-East St. Pancras (Dr. Jeger), on 5th March this year. No fresh information has since been received from Jamaica, but I am again consulting the Governor, and will let him know. With regard to the second part of the Question. I would refer to my reply to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for East Harrow (Mr. Skinnard) on 18th June.
§ Mr. TurtonHas nothing been done since 5th March to relieve unemployment, and to attract men to the cement industry in Jamaica in view of the large number of young men who are discontented and unemployed?
Mr. Creech JonesThat is a completely unwarranted assumption from my reply. If the hon. Member will turn to the reply I gave on 18th June to the hon. Member for East Harrow he will see that the Government of Jamaica are fully alive to the gravity of the problem in Jamaica.
§ Mr. DribergIn this connection will my right hon. Friend look at the scheme for the suggested re-settlement of Jamaican ex-Service men drawn up by a Jamaican Royal Air Force officer, which has been sent to him?
Mr. Creech JonesYes, and there is a scheme already in operation for ex-Service men. In the reply to which I referred I gave information in regard to that matter.