§ 50. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now make a further statement about the extent of hurricane damage in Mauritius, and the degree of help already afforded by the United Kingdom; and what plans he has for further assistance.
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§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe damage caused by the recent cyclones has now been estimated at between £11½ million and £12 million, about two-thirds of which is accounted for by the destruction of houses and huts. This estimate does not include damage suffered by the sugar industry.
Her Majesty's Government have been able to meet every request made by the Mauritius Government for help in carrying out immediate relief and rehabilitation work. Recently, a team of my advisers has returned from Mauritius and plans for reconstruction, especially in the sphere of housing, are now being drawn up. I have invited a delegation of Ministers from Mauritius to visit London next month to discuss how these plans should be financed, and the question of assistance from Her Majesty's Government.