HC Deb 05 July 1950 vol 477 cc467-9
37. Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has taken place in carrying out the proposals of the Evans Report in British Guiana.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Since the answer is rather long I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

Recent developments have been as follows:

Topographical Survey

A contract has been placed for the aerial photography of 19,800 square miles in British Guiana including the area which, owing to bad weather, was not fully covered last year. The photography is due to begin shortly. If successfully completed (this will depend on the weather), it will enable topographic maps of the area to be prepared. Such maps are essential for the study, among other things, of hydro-electric development possibilities.

Agricultural Development of the Interior

A further reconnaissance soil survey of the Potaro area was carried out by a soil scientist from the Gold Coast last February. His interim report is not favourable to cocoa production. In view of this the policy of agricultural development in the interior is being reconsidered by the Governor. It is probable that a series of separate trial plots will be established instead of a central station as had been contemplated. The officer appointed to take charge of agricultural research in the interior has arrived in the Colony and is now selecting sites for the proposed trial plots in the Potaro-Mazuruni area. It is hoped that his investigations will enable a comprehensive scheme of development to be prepared.

Rice

The report of the American experts on the mechanisation and reorganisation of the rice industry has been received and is being studied.

Bananas

The local soil survey which has been completed shows that the area on the east bank of the Lower Essequibo is favourble for banana cultivation. The Government of British Guiana are collaborating with two commercial firms in carrying out experiments to determine the prospects of banana production on a commercial scale. The preparation of land has begun.

Timber

In January last, the Colonial Development Corporation announced their intention of embarking on large scale development of timber in the Bartica triangle on the lines suggested by the Evans Commission in addition to their existing commitments in the Colony, and to erect a large modern sawmill capable of dealing with 40–50,000 tons of logs a year. It may be two years before this mill is in operation, as much of the machinery required is in very short supply.

Communications

A survey of the first 25 miles of the road southward from Bartica has now been completed and the engineer's report is expected shortly.

The engineer who reported on the possibilities of dredging the Essequibo Bar advised that a detailed survey costing about £25,000 would be required before dredging could be undertaken. Any programme of dredging is bound to be very costly. The matter is still under consideration.