§ 61. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what constitutional advance for British North Borneo is being considered; the estimated labour shortage in this Colonial Territory; and how many persons from Malaya and from elsewhere have now been granted 182W permission to settle in British North Borneo in order to ease the labour shortage.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo further changes in the Constitution are at present contemplated.
Immediate requirements reported by large employers are for 3,000 labourers; a further 2,000 are estimated to be required by other employers. Some 1,200 Cocos Islanders, settled in North Borneo in 1951, are the only persons yet officially recruited for settlement to ease the labour shortage. In addition, immigrants from neighbouring territories who have entered North Borneo independently of any scheme, have been allowed to settle after an initial period of temporary employment. Figures for such settlers however are not available.