HC Deb 03 February 1954 vol 523 cc39-40W
73. Mr. R. Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the suggestion of the Report on Industrial Development in Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados and British Guiana that legislation should be introduced to give substantially increased In come Tax allowances for depreciation on new plant and machinery; and what action he proposes to take on this matter.

Mr. Hopkinson

This suggestion is now being considered by the West Indian Governments who have the primary responsibility for deciding matters of this kind.

74. Mr. R. Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the recommendation in the Report on Industrial Development in Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados and British Guiana that the investment functions of the Jamaica Development Corporation should be modelled on the Industrial and Commercial Finance Corporation in the United Kingdom; and whether he will adopt this recommendation.

Mr. Hopkinson

I have considered this recommendation and have consulted the Governor on it. I am satisfied that, given the differences between the economies of the two countries, the investment functions of the Industrial Development Corporation in Jamaica are already sufficiently closely modelled on those of the Industrial and Commercial Finance Corporation.