§ 25. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the present political position in the Seychelles; and what economic developments are contemplated in the near future.
§ Mr. ProfumoAs the reply is rather lengthy, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. SorensenMeanwhile, can the Under-Secretary give an assurance that the various communities are now satisfactorily working the Constitution?
§ Mr. ProfumoYes, Sir, I think so. The hon. Member may like to know that I hope, if possible, to make a visit to this Territory later this year.
Following is the reply:The Legislative Council consists of the Governor, six official, four elected and two nominated unofficial members; and the Executive Council of the Governor, three official and three appointed unofficial members; there is no party system.The Seychelles Government is implementing a systematic development policy to improve the unsatisfactory economic position of the Colony. Emphasis at present is on basic development and the investigation of ways in 1568 which the economy might be expanded. Road development, land resettlement, reafforestation and land survey projects are already in progress; a teacher training college has just been built, and a scheme for grants to train Seychellois overseas inaugurated; projects for land conservation and reclamation and harbour development will be considered soon. The main line of future development should be the expansion of the coconut industry and the intensive cultivation of other crops on small holdings established under land settlement schemes; a Coconut Expert and an economist have recently visited Seychelles to advise on implementing these policies. It is also hoped to develop a tourist industry, but this is dependent on the improvement of external communications.