Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in Mauritius since the publication of the report of the inquiry into the disturbances of last year; and whether further consideration has been given to political reform?
Mr. M. MacDonaldConsiderable progress has been made with measures to implement the report of the Commission of Inquiry in the riots. A new Labour Department has been established, and an experienced officer from Malaya has been appointed in charge of it. Steps are being taken to select two further officers in the Colonial Service to assist him in creating the new organisation.
3505WAn Industrial Association Ordinance has been passed making provision for regulating the conditions of employment, establishing machinery for settlement of disputes and generally providing for the creation of Industrial Associations. A Commission is investigating the possibility of instituting a system for payment for small planter's cane on a basis of sucrose content. Measures are under consideration for improving the credit facilities for smallholders. No change has been made in the constitution, but the Governor has nominated representatives of the small planters to Council of Government during the current session.