§ 61. Mr. Dumpletonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans are in hand for the economic development of the Seychelles with a view to raising the standard of life of the people in the colony.
Mr. Creech JonesA 10-year plan for the social and economic development of the Seychelles was approved in principle earlier this year at an estimated cost of £325,000, of which £250,000 will be provided under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act. This plan included provision for the development of fisheries and agriculture, livestock improvement and re-afforestation, and also for land settlement, at a total estimated cost of £90,000.
§ Mr. DumpletonWould my right hon. Friend say, in view of the low economic level of this Colony, whether he is satisfied with the progress of the plan, and whether it is being put forward sufficiently vigorously?
Mr. Creech JonesThis plan has been carefully thought out in the territory in consultation with the Government, and it does represent, I think, the maximum contribution which they themselves can make, supplemented by an overwhelmingly large contribution from this country.