§ 37. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the estimated total cost of the development schemes for Trinidad; how much of it is proposed to be spent on expansion of social services; and how much on economic and industrial development.
Mr. Creech JonesI have as yet received only outline proposals, as a preliminary to a ten-year development plan, and these tentative proposals, in which expenditure of some £13 million is envisaged, have still to be referred to the Legislature of Trinidad. They have been discussed with the new Governor, who will review them in order to secure that the maximum provision is made, within the means available, for works of economic development, including especially the development of local food production and of secondary industries. Pending such review I cannot indicate whether a development plan of the magnitude suggested will be financially possible or the amounts which will be allocated respectively to social services and to economic and industrial development.
§ Mr. HughesWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind the serious industrial disturbances which have occurred in Trinidad since the war, and will he take steps to inaugurate industrial schemes which will tend to solve the difficulties existing there?
Mr. Creech JonesYes, there is a problem of unemployment and we are looking into the whole question of further development.
§ Mr. ErrollWill the development plan be shown to the oil companies and will their comment be invited?
Mr. Creech JonesI imagine that in the discussions in Trinidad itself the representatives of all interests will have an opportunity of making their views known.