HC Deb 24 January 1951 vol 483 c33W
107. Mr. P. Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to relieve distress and unemployment on Turks Islands; and whether the reorganisation of the local salt industry has yet begun.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The Turks Islands are almost entirely dependent upon the salt industry which has been suffering from the cumulative effect of lack of capital and disruption of trade with the Far East. Unemployment has become a difficult problem. The industry is being reorganised as a limited liability company in which the Government of the Dependency are to hold a controlling interest. New capital and better working arrangements will be introduced and it is hoped that unemployment will be alleviated.