62. Mr. POINTERasked what preparations are now being made or considered in the British West Indian Islands to cope with the expected development of ship ping in the Caribbean Sea consequent upon the opening of the Panama Canal; and whether the Colonial Office has been asked for or has tendered advice or assist ance to enable our Crown Colonies to make full and adequate provision?
Mr. HARCOURTI may remind my hon. Friend that I have already stated, in reply to a question on the 15th October last, that the Government of Jamaica had purchased a site abutting on Kingston Harbour, in order that it might be placed in a better position to deal with any demand for coaling, docking, or repairing facilities. I have since learned that a Canadian syndicate is negotiating with the Island Government, with a view to the provision of such facilities. Harbour improvement schemes for Port of Spain, Trinidad, and St. George's, Grenada, are under consideration, and proposals have been made for the establishment of oil bunkering stations in Barbados and St. Lucia. I have been in frequent communication with the Colonial Governments and with my technical advisers in regard to the questions to which my hon. Friend refers.