3. Mr. Slaterasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what schemes are being proceeded with in British Guiana to assist in overcoming unemployment.
§ Mr. ProfumoA large part of the Government's development programme is designed to provide and encourage increased opportunities for employment in peasant farming, through land development schemes, and in various other ways. More jobs are also being provided as a result of new investments in mining, new factories and local industries.
Mr. SlaterDoes not the Minister agree that if a positive policy were pursued in regard to the highway system and lines of communication within British Guiana it might provide a means of accommodating much of the unemployment which exists there? Further, does not he agree that greater initiative in regard to further development should be taken in the Mara and Skeldon areas of British Guiana?
§ Mr. ProfumoI am satisfied that the Government of British Guiana are aware of the problem and will do everything possible to make new opportunities for employment.
4. Mr. Slaterasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the unemployment figures for British Guiana; and how such figures compare with twelve months ago.
§ Mr. ProfumoNo official unemployment figures are at present available, but a report has just been received of the survey of unemployment and underemployment which has been carried out by an International Labour Organisation expert, and this is now being carefully studied.
Mr. SlaterIn view of the fact that the hon. Member is not in a position to give us the true figures about unemployment in British Guiana, can he give the House the number of young people of 1402 school-leaving age, and state what opportunities are likely to be afforded to these young people to take up employment in that country?
§ Mr. ProfumoThat is a much wider question. I shall do my best to answer it if the hon. Member puts it on the Order Paper.
5. Mr. Slaterasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what system is in operation in British Guiana for the registration of unemployed; and what liaison exists between such organisation and industry.
§ Mr. ProfumoRegistration is voluntary. There are employment exchanges in Georgetown and New Amsterdam under the direction of the Commissioner of Labour. The Commissioner is advised by two committees, the Employment Exchanges Standing Committee and the Juvenile Employment Committee, comprising representatives of employers and trade unions and social organisations.
Mr. SlaterDoes not the hon. Member agree that this matter requires examining most seriously? It is a serious matter for British Guiana. Under the present set-up it is practically impossible to ascertain the unemployment position. If we have not the degree of liaison that we ought to have within these territories, how can we make progress in providing the opportunities which the people ought to have?
§ Mr. ProfumoI believe that the I.L.O. expert's examination, to which I have already referred, will be a very valuable contribution to finding out more of the information to which the hon. Member refers. Meanwhile, I am satisfied that the Government are doing everything in their power.
§ Mr. BrockwayCan the Minister tell us when the studies of these figures and of this report are likely to be concluded, and when the hon. Member will be able to reach any conclusions about them?
§ Mr. ProfumoI am afraid that I cannot give that information now, because the report will primarily be to the Government there, and it is being urgently looked at now. I cannot give any estimate as to when the report will be available. I cannot say anything further, except that we shall try to keep hon. Members in touch.