§ Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that there are 20,000 ex-Service men, artisans and plantation labourers now unemployed in Mauritius, amounting to approximately 12 per cent. of the working population; that this is causing anxiety to the people of the Colony; and what steps he is taking to meet this situation.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThere is no evidence to support the figure given in the Question. The Employment Registration Bureau, which provides the only objective means of assessing the extent of unemployment in the Colony, showed 2,404 persons registered as unemployed on 30th April as compared with 3,316 on 31st January. The Government has a substantial development programme in view which will provide increased opportunities for employment.