§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSONI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the work of improving the sanitation of Port Stanley, in the Falk-lands, has been delayed owing to lack of funds; what is the estimated cost of an improved system; and whether, in view of the official Report that the sewerage of the town is a matter of grave urgency, and that the system as at present constituted is a potential centre of disease, His Majesty's Government will give such financial assistance as will secure the provision of an improved system.
§ THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. CHURCHILL, Manchester, N.W.)The improvement of the sanitation of Port Stanley has been delayed, owing to the fact that no scheme has hitherto been put forward which appeared to be suitable, having regard to the size of the town and the financial position of the Colony. The Governor of the Falkland Islands, who has recently come on leave, has now submitted fresh proposals, which are at present under consideration and the initial cost of which he estimates at £1,355, to be followed by an annually recurrent expenditure of £631. It is hoped that measures may be decided upon before the Governor returns to the Colony, which will produce a great improvement in the condition of the town. The case does not appear to be one for the grant of financial assistance by the Imperial Government.