HC Deb 12 December 1957 vol 579 cc157-8W
91. Mr. Royle

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many vessels are available for passenger and commerce movement between the various islands of the Windwards and the Leewards.

Mr. Profumo

There are ten small auxiliary vessels serving the Windward Islands, and in the Leeward Islands a similar vessel provides a regular fortnightly service. In addition, a considerable number of sloops and schooners plies between the islands, and several shipping lines serving the West Indies arrange calls at Windward and Leeward Islands ports when cargo offers.

92. Mr. Royle

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what negotiations are taking place for better means of communication between the West Indies islands, pending the establishment of Federation.

Mr. Profumo

To replace the present one-ship service between the islands, the Interim Shipping Commissioner, appointed with the approval of the West Indian Governments, is at present negotiating for the charter of two ships. He is also negotiating for the appointment of an operator to manage the service.

99. Mr. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what communications exist between British Honduras and Guatemala.

Mr. Profumo

There are all-weather roads linking the ports of Belize and Stann Creek with Benque Viejo which is within two miles of the Guatemalan frontier. There is a rough road from Benque Viejo to the Guatemalan village of Fallabon on the frontier, and a very rough track from Fallabon approximately one mile in length to Plancha de Piedra, also in Guatemala, where there is a well-kept grass landing ground which regularly takes D.C.3 aircraft from Guatemala City via Flores, the capital of the Peten Province.

T.A.C.A. International Airways maintain a twice-weekly air service in each direction between Belize and Guatemala City. A coastal vessel maintains a once-weekly freight, passenger and mail service from Belize to Puerto Barrios calling at Stann Creek and Punta Gorda.

There is a radio-telegraph system linking Belize and Guatemala City via Tegucigalpa.