§ 11. Mr. Loughlinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to alleviate unemployment in Fiji.
§ Mr. FisherThe numbers of registered unemployed have fallen in recent months, but there is certainly a need to expand employment opportunities for the rapidly increasing numbers of school leavers. The main step being taken is the development of the land, as recommended by the Burns Report. This will provide employment directly, and also through the growth of related industries.
§ Mr. LoughlinDoes not the hon. Gentleman recognise that there is great deal of feeling in the whole of the community about the difficulties that are being experienced? It has, of course, been suggested that a little more democracy might be shown to trade union leaders. Will the hon. Gentleman look at the possibility of instituting some public works to alleviate the unemployment in Fiji?
§ Mr. FisherAs I said, the unemployment figures have, in fact, fallen rather steeply. There were only 110 people —not very many—registered as unemployed in October, but I admit that this may conceal a certain amount of unemployment due to people not registering. As the hon. Member will know, many projects are being undertaken at present. I do not know whether he would like a list of all these public works—it is rather a long list.
§ Mr. G. M. ThomsonWill the hon. Gentleman look closely into prospective unemployment among school leavers on his visit to this part of the world during the Christmas Recess?
§ Mr. FisherYes, I will, indeed.