§ 29. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will give the population figure for Mauritius in 1958; what is the estimated population 569 for 1968; and what plans the Government of Mauritius have for coping with this demographic problem.
§ Mr. ProfumoIn mid-1957, the population of Mauritius was 587,000. If it continues to increase at the same rate as between 1953 and 1957, it will reach about 750,000 by 1968. In its recently published five-year development programme, "A Plan for Mauritius", the Mauritius Government recognise unambiguously that the basic problem facing their people is that of over-population. Under the plan, the Mauritius Government hope to develop the economy and social services of the island in such a way as to keep pace for a time with the increase in population as well as to bring greater prosperity to the present inhabitants of the island.
§ Mr. JohnsonDoes not the hon. Gentleman agree that the question of over-population looms over the future of Mauritius? Since the industries will not give many more jobs to people and emigration is almost hopeless, are the Government of Mauritius thinking further on the subject of family planning? What are they going to do about it?
§ Mr. ProfumoThe Government of Mauritius have no actual plans about family planning, but the people of Mauritius must realise that they have the choice either to control the growth of their own numbers or to suffer a decline in the standard of living.