§ Sir P. Hannonasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the present 318W economic situation in St. Helena; and whether the schemes of housing and social improvement which have been prescribed in the past few years have been attended by successful results?
§ Mr. George HallI can add little to the reply given to my hon. Friend by the then Secretary of State on 6th March. The presence of an enlarged garrison in the island and the purchase by His Majesty's Government of the output of the St. Helena fibre mills have had a favourable effect on the economic situation. Progress is being made with the reorganisation of the education system: and other schemes for improving the conditions in the island are being vigorously pursued. It is too early yet to appraise the results as the schemes in general are part of a long-term plan. With regard to housing, I would refer to the reply which was given to the Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth (Mr. Paling) on 1st May, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.