Burns Report

HC Deb 24 October 1961 vol 646 cc36-7W

8. Mr. Dugdale

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he is now taking to implement the Burns Report on Fiji.

Mr. H. Fraser

Following the recommendation of the Report, the Fiji Government have enacted legislation covering land development, drainage and local government. A Development Commissioner was appointed on 1st October and he will be Chairman of the Land Development Authority. Nearly £2 million has been made available this year in colonial development and welfare grants to develop agriculture, forestry, public works and communications and social services.

As I said in my reply to the hon. Member for Wycombe (Mr. John Hall) on 31st January, the Burns Commission made some 126 recommendations. If the hon. Member requires information on any particular recommendation I will obtain it for him.