HC Deb 05 April 1960 vol 621 c175
9. Mr. C. Royle

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what encouragement is being given to private investors, by Her Majesty's Government, to assist the development of British Honduras.

Mr. Alport

Much of the substantial aid given by Her Majesty's Government to British Honduras will continue to be spent on development intended to provide increased attractions to private investment. In addition, certain specific incentives have already been introduced and others are now being devised, for the same purpose.

Mr. Royle

In view of a long succession of inquiries and reports from all kinds of sources into the economic situation in British Honduras—all those reports saying that both private and public investment is very necessary—will the Government press on with this matter, because this is a very neglected Colony?

Mr. Alport

We realise the difficulties which this Colony faces, largely on account of the smallness of the population and the necessity for the economic expansion which we hope will take place, but my right hon. Friend believes that the existing incentives will help in introducing new investment into the Colony, and other incentives are at the moment under consideration.

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