HC Deb 18 June 1952 vol 502 cc97-8W
62. Mr. D. Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about the wholesale notices to quit being given to the residents of estates in the Colony of Dominica and what directive he has given; and whether he has given any directives to his officials to take appropriate action to assist these homeless people.

Mr. Lyttelton

No wholesale notices to quit have been given. The hon. Member is probably referring to the notices to quit recently given at the Government-owned Goodwill Estate to provide for the proposed Government livestock farm and for the reallocation of leaseholdings to encourage food production. Compensation is being paid.

In recent years, also, some estates which had previously been leased to small tenants have been developed by their owners, but neither the tenants concerned nor squatters had houses on the land and there is no question of their being homeless.

63. Mr. D. Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he is taking to alleviate the distress being caused in the Colony of Dominica by the shortage of food, particularly milk, for expectant and nursing mothers.

Mr. Lyttelton

Food production is being increased by peasant farmers, by some estates, and by the Government Agricultural Station. Frozen meat is being imported. The intended development of a Government livestock farm will assist the fresh milk supply and may also encourage private production. Imported dried and other milk products are available.

64. Mr. D. Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations he has received about the appointment of Mr. Degazon as Administrator in the Colony of Dominica; and whether, having regard to the dissatisfaction being expressed by the inhabitants of this island about this appointment, he will reconsider it and make an appointment from this country.

Mr. Lyttelton

The hon. Member appears to have been misinformed. I have received no representations of any kind about the filling of this post. The appointment of Mr. H. L. Lindo to it was announced on 21st May.

Mr. Degazon is filling ably an important appointment in another territory.