§ 42. Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress had been made in schemes for the local production of food crops in British Honduras; and what plans have been made for future encouragement of subsistence farming.
Mr. Creech JonesThe local production of food crops in British Honduras, with the exception of a small Government managed rice scheme, is undertaken by the farmers themselves. The Department of Agriculture is fostering sound farming practice, and measures such as guaranteed prices and loans have been adopted to encourage a much greater output of the staple food crops, particularly rice and maize. The need for increased food production is fully recognised by the local development planning Committee and a co-operative officer has recently been appointed by the Government. His duties will include the stimulation of increased food production.
§ Mr. SkinnardIs it the intention of the British Honduras authorities to arrange for settlements along the new West road, so as to increase the number of farms in the colony?
Mr. Creech JonesThe Governor is particularly active in getting on with development plans, and this aspect of his problem is very much in his mind.