HC Deb 21 February 1951 vol 484 cc188-9W

Government Farm

The Government Central Farm on the Baking Pot Estate in the Cayo district has continued its work on the better cultivation and production of the principal food crops.

Surveys

An Ecological Land Use Survey Unit has been formed for the Caribbean area. The Unit will start its work in British Honduras. A geologist is at present conducting a systematic geological survey of the Colony.

Rice

A pilot scheme for rice production is under consideration.

Dairy Farming

A livestock officer has been appointed. The Colonial Development Corporation have decided to carry out a livestock project, which will cover the production of cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry and vegetables.

Bananas

The Colonial Development Corporation, in association with the British Honduras Enterprises, Limited, are engaged on planting bananas in the Stann Creek area. The first results from this planting should be available in June.

Cocoa

The Colonial Development Corporation are considering the possibilities of cocoa production.

Ramie

The Colonial Development Corporation have also decided to grow ramie on a small estate.

Hotel Accommodation

It is hoped that the Colonial Development Corporation will have completed the construction of its hotel in Belize by beginning of 1952.

Communications

Construction of the important road from Middlesex to Roaring Creek was started last year. Work is also proceeding on the feeder road in the Stann Creek district which will serve the area in which bananas are being grown. A survey of port facilities in the Colony has been made and the report is now being examined.

Hydro-Electric Development

An investigation is at present being made of hydro-electric possibilities in the Stann Creek and Belize areas.