§ 32. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the large production of bauxite in British Guiana and the abundance of water power in that Colony, what financial and other steps have been taken to secure a hydroelectricity survey, with a view to ensuring the supply of electricity to British Guiana and enabling that Colony to manufacture aluminium.
Mr. DugdalePreliminary investigations such as measuring the flow of water at individual falls and serial photography, are now being carried out. Some time must elapse before it will be possible to determine the prospects of developing hydro-electric power in British Guiana at the cost and on the scale required for the manufacture of aluminium in competition with existing manufacturers.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes my right hon. Friend agree that this development is highly desirable? Cannot steps be taken to expedite the development, so that hydro-electricity may be available to enable manufacturing to be carried on?
Mr. DugdaleI can assure my hon. Friend that investigations are taking place and that we are seized of the importance of having an adequate supply of bauxite.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us what "serial photography" means.
Mr. DugdaleIt means photography with the object of investigating whether it is possible to exploit the bauxite.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartIs this enterprise included in the schemes financed by Colonial development funds and, if so, will the right hon. Gentleman be able to report to the House on the results?