§ 12. Mr. Jaggerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, so long ago as 1936, the Carnegie Corporation of New York offered a sure of $80,000 for the establishment of a central library to the Government of Trinidad; that, although the public library of the capital is in a most dilapidated and poverty-stricken state, four years have elapsed without any definite steps being taken to secure the proffered grant; and whether he will therefore take steps to ensure that the Government of Trinidad take the necessary steps to secure the grant in question?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI was informed in August last by the Governor of Trinidad that this generous offer by the Carnegie Corporation of New York had been accepted. I approved the scheme, and steps are at present being taken in consultation with the Governor of Trinidad to select a librarian for the service.
§ Mr. JaggerWill the right hon. Gentleman put some pressure on the Governor so that something is actually done?
§ Mr. PalingWhy has it taken three years to accept this offer?
Mr. MacDonaldThe question whether the scheme can be extended to certain neighbouring territories took a considerable time to thrash out.