§ 34. Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that details of plans made by the Government of British Honduras for the 2111 fostering of sound farming practice have not yet been released locally; that requests by farmers to the Department of Agriculture have elicited no information; and whether he will take steps to ensure local publication of the plans at the earliest possible opportunity.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsDetailed plans for agriculture in British Honduras await the report of the British Guiana-British Honduras Settlement Commission, which I expect to receive shortly. An outline policy has, however, been prepared by the Director of Agriculture; this will be considered by a Committee of the Legislative Council which will commence sitting next month. Meanwhile attention is being concentrated on increased production of foodstuffs and improving local marketing facilities.
§ Mr. SkinnardIs the Minister aware, in connection with this proposed increase in the production of foodstuffs about which an answer was given to me in the House late last year, the British Honduras Chamber of Commerce has categorically stated that no details of these plans at all have been published in the Colonies?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThat is so. I do not think any detailed policy has been published, but that must await the report of the Commission to which I have referred. The outline policy has been framed by the Director of Agriculture, and that is being considered. Until we get the report no detailed policy can be published.