asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many interest-free loans have been taken up by planters in the Solomon Islands; how many European planters have returned since the war to re-start their plantations; how many have not yet returned; what proportion of the acreage of European plantations is now under cultivation; and what proportion of this acreage is now under native production.

Two interest-free loans have been taken up and two are awaiting signature. Of the 24 planters who left, 11 have resumed operations and three have returned to work for companies. About 1½ per cent. of the European plantations are under cultivation and of this 1½ per cent. some 2½ per cent. is under native production.