HC Deb 19 April 1926 vol 194 cc827-8
16. Captain CROOKSHANK

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies en what grounds a grant of £22,000 is being made this year to the Island of Dominica?

Mr. AMERY

The lime industry, the staple crop of Dominica, has been seriously damaged and in some parts of the island entirely destroyed by a fungus disease known as withertip which appeared first in May, 1922. Owing to the disastrous effect this had upon the general economic condition of the island, Sir Francis Watts was sent there to report upon agricultural conditions and in particular to recommend what steps should be taken to establish fresh industries on a self-supporting basis. His Majesty's Government, having considered his recommendations, are providing £18,000 towards the cost of carrying them out during the current financial year. Of this sum £13,400 will be by way of loan. A further£4,000 is being provided as the result of strong representations made to me by the professional members of the Colonial Advisory Medical and Sanitary Committee on the need of a sanitary cam- paign, and it is proposed to appoint and send out a medical officer of health and a qualified sanitary inspector to initiate the necessary reforms.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

After the millions which have been poured out in Iraq, is not this a case of straining at the gnat and swallowing the camel?