§ 21. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made with the plans for economic viability in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Anthony Kershaw)Progress under the Development Plan, first drawn up in 1970 and revised annually thereafter, is satisfactory. The most promising economic projects are fisheries development, the Merchant Marine Training School and family planning. Expanded copra production is also receiving encouragement, but present world prices are a deterrent. I hope to visit the colony during the Recess.
§ Mr. Godman IrvineHas any progress been made with agricultural co-operation schemes, particularly in view of the difficulty of the system of land tenure in which consideration is given to small areas on which only one tree is growing.
§ Mr. KershawThat is one of the most difficult problems with copra and other agricultural production. It has been necessary to lower the tax on copra exports and consider increasing the subsidy. If we can get this going in the way my hon. Friend advises, it will be advantageous to the economy.
§ Mr. FoleyWhat degree of priority is attached in terms of aid and trade to Britain's colonies as distinct from Commonwealth countries?
§ Mr. KershawI cannot reply to the general question but it is encouraging that in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, because of greater expertise and progress in the colony, it has been possible for it to absorb three times as much aid this year as it did before, and this is a good augury for the future.