§ 41. Mr. Royleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proposals have been made by the Government of the United Kingdom and by the Governments of the Caribbean area to replace the s.s. "West Indian", which is likely to be withdrawn at the end of the year owing to lack of financial backing.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe agreement for operation of the ship expires next January. The West Indian Governments, whose responsibility this is, have rejected proposals for renewal because the subsidy proposed would involve too great a proportion of the expected Federal revenue. Other proposals are now being considered by those Governments and it is not necessary for Her Majesty's Government to intervene at this stage.
§ Mr. RoyleIs the hon. Gentleman aware that The Times shipping correspondent referred to this boat as a symbol of growing kinship, and would he not agree that Federation of the West Indies can be a complete mockery if there is not sufficient transport and communication? Will not the United Kingdom do something to assist in this 1513 regard, so that there may be really adequate communications and transport?
§ Mr. ProfumoIt is the hope that inquiries which are now proceeding will lead to a replacement scheme.