§ 8. Mr. D. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the disappointment that has been expressed in the Colony, at the allocation to Jamaica of £4,250,000 under the colonial development and welfare allocations, and 1158 that the Jamaican Government are committed to a programme of expenditure over the next five years of some £30 millions; and whether, in the light of this burden, he will have the matter reconsidered.
§ Mr. HopkinsonI know that there was some disappointment at the size of Jamaica's new colonial development and welfare allocation of £3 million. My right hon. Friend was very glad to meet Mr. Nethersole, the Jamaican Minister of Finance, last month; he had full discussions in the Colonial Office on sources of finance for Jamaica's future development needs, during which it was explained that there was no possibility of reconsidering the C.D. and W. allocation to Jamaica. This allocation, together with the carry-over from the previous allocation, will permit a substantially greater rate of C.D. and W. expenditure than hitherto.
§ Mr. JonesIn spite of that, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable apprehension in Jamaica that, as a result of this grant, the five-year plan will have to be substantially curtailed? As the degree of unemployment in Jamaica is very high at present, is he aware that there is a serious danger that if this plan has to be curtailed unemployment will increase still further?
§ Mr. HopkinsonI know it is true that there was disappointment in Jamaica about the amount of the grant, but the matter was discussed with the Chief Minister, Mr. Manley, during his recent visit, and with other Ministers, and the reasons have been fully explained to them and accepted by them.