British Council
18.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the nature and extent of the proposed work of the British Council in the West Indies; and also the duties to be undertaken by Mr. F. W. Gray, as representative there of this council?
As the reply is rather long, with my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
Following is the reply:
The extension of the activities of the British Council to the West Indies is part of a plan approved by His Majesty's Government for the expansion of the Council's work in the Colonial Empire. The nature and extent of the work in the West Indies will be determined in relation to local needs after consultation with the Governments, the Comptroller of Welfare and Development and local associations. The work will include collaboration with local cultural organisations with a view to the dissemination of information regarding British thought and ways of life including the drama, the fine arts and music, and the establishment of cultural centres where they do not already exist. Other activities will include the provision of scholarships to Great Britain, the organisation of libraries and the supply of British books, periodicals and Press material; the distribution of "British news" and documentary films illustrative of life in Britain and of British culture. The duties of Mr. F. D. Gray will be primarily administrative. It is intended to associate with him a Cultural Adviser for the West Indies.
Trinidad (Estate Development)
19.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the necessity for increased food production in Trinidad, steps are being taken for development for this purpose of bankrupt and derelict sugar and other estates upon the island?
Very active steps are being taken to increase food production in Trinidad, including the compulsory planting of about 3,000 acres of sugar lands, divided between estate and cane farmers' lands, the extensive increase of allotments, house gardens, etc., and the more rapid development of land settlement schemes in hand. All these measures are additional to the food production campaign already in progress.
Is the Minister aware that the local Press are complaining that large areas in the estates are completely undeveloped at the present time?
I am afraid the local Press have a habit of complaining, not only in the Colonies, but in the Mother-country as well.
Anglo-American Commission
22.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether consideration can be given to the appointment of a West Indian to serve on the Joint Commission with the United States concerned with problems and future development of the West Indies?
27.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider the desirability of selecting at least one qualified West Indian representative to serve on the British panel for the Anglo-American Commission for work in the West Indies?
The appointment of a West Indian to serve on the Anglo-American Commission has already been considered. It would not be possible, however, to make a single appointment to represent all the Colonies concerned, and to have unofficial representatives of each Colony would make the Commission unwieldy. My hon. Friends will, of course, appreciate that the Commission is purely advisory and that its recommendations will be subject to the appropriate consideration by the legislatures of the Colonies concerned.
While appreciating the practical difficulties, may I ask whether it is not about time that when social and economic development is involved the people who are vitally concerned with the recommendations should at least have the opportunity of sharing in their making?
Yes, Sir, but my hon. Friend says that he recognises the practical importance of keeping these Commissions small.
Is the Minister aware of the strong feeling in the West Indies that at least one representative West Indian should be nominated for the British section of the Commission?
Air-Raid Precautions
24.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to state when a compulsory air-raid precautions scheme will be enforced in Jamaica and other parts of the West Indies?
The Governments of Jamaica and other Colonies in the West Indian area have been impressed with the importance of the organisation of A.R.P. schemes, and the Governors have powers to institute compulsory service if and when they consider it necessary.
War Damage Compensation
25.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the absence of any war damage insurance scheme in the West Indies is a matter of grave anxiety to owners of commercial property there; and whether steps are now being taken to institute a scheme on similar lines to that operating in this country?
Yes, Sir. I am aware that anxiety exists in certain Colonies with regard to compensation for war damage. My Noble Friend is in consultation on the whole question with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the scheme for Malta is complete yet?
I could not say, without notice.
Mr W A Domingo
26.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Mr. W. A. Domingo is still under detention in Jamaica under the Defence Regulations; and, if so, whether his case has recently been reviewed?
Mr. Domingo is still detained in Jamaica. The Governor has been asked to re-examine the case and to refer it to the Advisory Committee for review, should circumstances justify such a course.