HC Deb 24 November 1948 vol 458 cc1240-1
42. Mr. Baldwin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the recent acquisition of the Island of St. Anne's in the Seychelles for public purposes; from whom it was bought and at what cost; and what it is proposed to do with it.

Mr. Creech Jones

St. Anne's Island is being bought by the Seychelles Government from the War Office for £16,000. Its purchase will enable the Island's copra industry to be extended, and also the production of food for local consumption. It will provide, inter alia, 500 acres of cultivable land and a site for a model housing settlement with community centre, as well as areas for afforestation and the possible development of a fish canning industry.

Mr. Baldwin

Will the Minister say who will be responsible for any losses which may be sustained in the course of this land nationalisation and whether those figures will be made available?

Mr. Creech Jones

This land is very necessary for the social and economic development of these territories.

Mr. Baldwin

That is not what I asked.