asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the fourth progress report upon development and welfare in the West Indies discloses that forest planning was hampered by shortage of technical staff in the period 1947–49; and whether this deficiency has now been remedied.

Yes. The deficiency was part of the aftermath of the war. The position is now greatly improved and senior technical staff in Forestry Departments of the British Caribbean Colonies is almost up to establishment.