§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSONI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the amount of the floating balance of revenue in St. Vincent from which he has suggested that a loan of £5,000 may be made for the purpose of re-opening the Carib Canal; and what is the amount of the undisposed balance of the relief fund, subscribed in 1902, from which the Governor of the Leeward Islands, the Administrator, and the Legislative Council of St. Vincent recommended that a loan should be made for this purpose.
§ COLONEL SEELYThe Secretary of State did not suggest a loan of £5,000, but said that he would on certain conditions agree to a loan not exceeding that sum. The actual amount of the floating balance of revenue available cannot be stated, but it is probably between £4,000 and £5,000; I cannot say how much of this could be utilised for a loan. The invested portion of the Eruption Fund amounts to £25,000. All the rest of the fund—or practically all the rest—has now been expended or definitely allocated for expenditure.
§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSONIs it not the fact as stated in the Question that the Governor of the Leeward Islands, the Administrator and the Legislative Council recommended a loan for this purpose for the invested funds? Why would not the Colonial Office give its sanction?
§ COLONEL SEELYPerhaps the hon. Gentleman means the Governor of the Windward Islands.
§ MR. MITCHELL-THOMSONWith that correction is it not so?
§ COLONEL SEELYI cannot say. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will verify the facts before he repeats the Question.