HC Deb 08 July 1953 vol 517 cc1227-8
15. Mr. R. Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of Jamaica have now com- pleted their consideration of the Report of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development entitled, "The Economic Development of Jamaica"; and how far it has been decided to give effect to these recommendations.

Mr. Lyttelton

The Government of Jamaica have issued a statement accepting the main proposals in the Report. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the statement.

Mr. Robinson

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the International Bank has made any offers of financial help in the event of the adoption of the recommendations?

Mr. Lyttelton

In the scheme there is a schedule of, speaking from memory, about £34 million to spend over a period and suggestions about how it should be used.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer a question which I have put to him several times? Does that include development of inter-island transport services and also direct services between the United Kingdom and the West Indies?

Mr. Lyttelton

The categories under which the International Bank reported are fairly broad. One of them would, I think, certainly include the subject which the right hon. Gentleman has in mind.

Mr. N. Macpherson

Does this not indicate that arrangements for encouraging pioneer industries are all the more urgent?

Mr. Noel-Baker

In view of the great interest which is taken in this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman consider laying the Report in the Library of the House?

Mr. Lyttelton

Yes, certainly, Sir.