§ 48. Mr. D. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the figures of rice production in the past three years, showing each year separately, for the Mahaicony-Abary Rice Development Scheme in British Guiana.
§ Mr. LytteltonThe figures are:
- 1951—10,779 long tons of milled rice.
- 1952—17,209 long tons.
- 1953—11,113 long tons.
§ 49. Mr. D. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total production of rice in British Guiana in the past three years, showing each year separately.
§ Mr. LytteltonThe total production of milled rice in British Guiana, during the past three years, was as follows:
- 1951—66,420 long tons.
- 1952—74,100 long tons.
- 1953—75,600 long tons.
§ Mr. D. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans are being developed by the British Guiana Rice Development Company for the extension of rice growing by peasant 80W farmers and for taking estate land for this purpose.
§ Mr. LytteltonThe British Guiana Rice Development Company has no plans for taking over estate land. It is mainly engaged in operating and expanding rice milling facilities and the fully mechanised rice farms at Mahaicony-Abary. The Company does, however, lend mechanical equipment to peasant farmers in the area who hold a total of 6,621 acres under lease. The Government of British Guiana are undertaking large drainage and irrigation schemes which will enable more land to be made available for peasant rice farming.