Mr. Creech Jones:

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the genuine and un relieved distress of British Honduras continues to increase; that a large number of women and children exist on the barest subsistence, and that the present outdoor relief is inadequate to meet the situation; and whether this area can receive more attention in the development of its economic possibilities?

My Noble Friend is aware that there is considerable unemployment in British Honduras, and he is at the moment awaiting comprehensive proposals for dealing with the problem, from the Governor of that Colony. It is hoped that a scheme or schemes may be formulated under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act which will assist in ameliorating the present situation.

Mr. Creech Jones:

Is it not necessary that urgent action should be taken, in view of the very grave increase in distress, and will steps be taken to hurry up the general economic development of this territory?

This is a matter which is now being inquired into by the controller and his advisers who are in the West Indies.