§ 67. Mr. H. Wallaceasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the minimum wages rates for men and women employed on land in the Seychelles have been increased since 1938; what are the present rates; what was the price of coconuts per thousand in 1938; and what is the present price.
Mr. Creech JonesYes. The rate for men has been increased from an average of eight rupees per month to a minimum wage of 16 rupees per month; that for women from an average of 3½ rupees per month to a minimum wage of eight rupees per month. The minimum wage is based on a nominal 5½ hour working day. It is usual for men to earn at least 24 rupees per month. The average price of coconuts in 1938 was 12 rupees per thousand; at the present time it is 53 rupees.
§ 69. Mr. H. Wallaceasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government in the Seychelles is taking steps to secure a better distribution of the agricultural population.
Mr. Creech JonesYes. The Government of Seychelles has been engaged since 1943 in plans for the resettlement of agricultural labour on specially selected sites. With the assistance of a grant of £9,100 under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act, a scheme involving the settlement of some 300 persons and their families was started in 1945, and details of a further188W scheme for the construction of four village settlements to accommodate 400 persons at a total cost of £21,300, necessitating a further grant under the Act, are now being examined.