§ Mr. Fenner Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will discuss with the Government of Mauritius the desirability of appointing a committee of experts to advise on the establishment of light industries in the Colony.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am advised by the Governor that it is doubtful whether the appointment of such a committee would be useful at present.
2. The economic development of the Colony was the subject of an exhaustive study undertaken in 1946–48. The Government are now engaged primarily on basic development such as the improvement of water supplies, the extension of irrigation projects, the expansion of the agricultural extension work and the development of the electricity supply.
Plans for the major improvement of the communication system and the provision of additional port facilities at Port Louis are under close examination. Consideration is also being given to the diversification of the Colony's agriculture namely by the encouragement of the tea industry. The commitments already undertaken and those planned will make very heavy demands on local resources and at present priority must be given to them.
3. Possible opportunities of industrial development are being studied but it is considered that at this stage the emphasis must continue to be placed on agricultural development.