§ Mr. Smithersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what decisions have been taken as a result of the consultations between the Acting Governor of British Honduras and himself with regard to hurricane relief and reconstruction in the Colony.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydProposals were submitted by the British Honduras Government for a programme covering the relief and rehabilitation of the people of the northern district, the re-establishment of farmers on the land, and the restoration of the Government and public services. These proposals were examined in consultation with the Acting Governor and the Financial Secretary, who came to London for the purpose, and I have been able to approve a programme which is well-balanced and will enable the physical and economic damage to be restored on sound lines. The programme is estimated to cost £900,000. Subject to the approval of Parliament, Her Majesty's Government will provide towards the cost of this programme up to £500,000 as a free grant and up to a further £200,000 by way of loan. Colony funds will bear the cost of the balance, of which £170,000 will be found from the Colony's allocation of Development44W and Welfare funds. The loan will be for twenty-five years, the first five years being free of interest, and thereafter carrying interest at 3½ per cent. It is intended that the programme shall be completed within three years, but the forestry and agriculture sections of the programme may run up to four years.