98. Vice-Admiral Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the housing progress made in St. Helena and the progress of experiments undertaken to promote agriculture and home industries in the island.
Mr. Creech JonesIn spite of the difficulties resulting from war conditions, 108 dwelling houses have been erected since 1939 up to last July, and plans for further building development are now under consideration. Food production has been greatly increased. The lily bulb industry is being fostered as an economic crop supplementary to the flax industry and experiments are being conducted in order to find other suitable cash crops. A Government stock farm has been established for the improvement of local livestock. Reafforestation and other soil conservation measures have been undertaken. Under Government auspices, the St. Helena Handicrafts Association has expanded the lace industry and has started embroidery, tailoring, knitting and wool spinning as home industries. The retiring Governor, Major Bain Gray, has played a most valuable part in these more recent developments.