HC Deb 04 March 1953 vol 512 cc377-8
22. Mr. Cole

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to make the Colony of St. Helena more self-supporting.

Mr. Lyttelton

Over one-third of St. Helena's allocation of £200,000 from Colonial Development and Welfare Funds is being spent on measures to conserve and rehabilitate the land, improve stock, increase production and educate public opinion in the vital importance of good husbandry. A company which is the largest local landowner is co-operating very fully in these measures.

Mr. Cole

Whilst thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask if he can tell if any progress has been made in reviving the lily bulb industry, which was such a great source of industry in the Colony during the war?

Mr. Lyttelton

I can send my hon. Friend some fuller details about what progress has been made over the whole field.