§ 37. Sir R. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans are being made for the production of coir products on a cottage industry basis in British Guiana; and what assistance is being given by the Government of British Guiana to the project.
§ Mr. ProfumoAs the answer is rather detailed, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the Answer:
§ Plans for the production of coir yarn on a cottage industry basis were made in December, 1957, and experimental work was begun in February this year by the Minor Industry Unit of the Ministry of Trade and Industry in British Guiana. Two primary school teachers, who received training in India in coir techniques during 1957, were seconded to the Unit, and are training family groups in the production of coir and coir yarn. These groups will he provided with spinning wheels on a credit basis and yarn which they produce will be purchased by the British Guiana Government at a guaranteed price. If successful, the scheme will be extended to other rural areas and the industry developed on a co-operative basis.
763§ The Minority Industry Unit has also been experimenting with the use of coir in the production of brooms and brushes, and favourable reports have been received on samples of bristle seen by manufacturers in the United Kingdom.