Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether plans are being considered in British Guiana for the erection of aluminium refineries with a view to avoiding the shipment of bauxite to Canada?
§ Colonel StanleyI am not aware that plans such as those referred to by my hon. Friend are being considered. While the erection of a refinery in British Guiana would no doubt save shipping, it would involve a duplication of plant which could hardly be justified in present circumstances. The Aluminium Company of Canada, the parent company of the Demerara Bauxite Company which mines bauxite in British Guiana, has greatly extended its refineries in Canada in order to cope with increased production of bauxite in British Guiana for war purposes. The Aluminium Company's refineries in Canada are situated in the hydro-electric area of the St. Lawrence in Quebec where there is abundant and cheap power available. Some of the rivers in British Guiana could no doubt be harnessed for hydroelectric purposes but this would take some time, especially in the undeveloped hinterland of the Colony. The question of hydro-electric schemes in British Guiana will no doubt be further considered after the war.