§ 44. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the average size of the smallholdings on which ex-Service men have been settled in Jamaica; how many ex-Service men are now settled in such holdings; how many of them had previous experience or training in agriculture; and what percentage of these holdings are adequately supplied with water.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsOne thousand two hundred and sixty-four ex-Service men have been settled on smallholdings of six to seven acres. It is not possible to say how many had previous experience or training in agriculture. Approximately, 35 per cent. of the holdings are at present adequately supplied with water.
§ Mr. DribergIs my hon. Friend aware that the size of these holdings is quite uneconomically small and that on the whole this scheme, with some notable exceptions, has really been rather an expensive flop?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThis is primarily a matter for the Government of Jamaica, but the amount of land available for agricultural settlement there, owing to the size of the Island, is, of course, limited.
§ Sir G. JeffreysIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there has been great discontent in Jamaica among ex-Service men, particularly those of the First World War, about the quality of the land which they were given? It is not only unfertile and barren, but is also ill supplied with water.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsAs I have said, this is primarily a matter for the Government of Jamaica. No doubt the hon. and gallant Gentleman is aware that they now have wide powers.