§ 17. Mr. John Hallasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action is being taken to ensure that the economic development of Fiji keeps pace with the increase in population.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe Burns Commission's Report, published on the 14th March, recommended how the development of the Colony and its resources should proceed, account being taken of trends in population. This Report is now being studied in Fiji and will form the basis of a further development plan.
§ Mr. HallAs the Commission estimated that the gross national income would have to rise about 3½ per cent. per year to keep the standard of living at its present level, does my right hon. Friend expect that it will be possible to increase the economy at the rate desired?
§ Mr. MacleodWe will certainly do what we can to help to carry out the very useful recommendations of the Burns Report. Those are first being studied in Fiji and I must wait for the development plan and then assess what financial assistance is needed.