HC Deb 22 October 1941 vol 374 cc1763-4
19. Dr. Morgan

asked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether the Colony Hospital in Antigua, British West Indies, is still in the state it was in February, 1939, badly in need of repair, with rotten floors, leaking roofs, broken doors and poor sanitation; whether temporary repairs have yet been done; and when is it proposed to rebuild the hospital properly so that good medical work for the island inhabitants may be done?

Mr. George Hall

Owing to the financial position of the Colony, it has only been possible in recent years to effect the minimum running repairs to the Holberton Hospital in Antigua. The question of rebuilding the hospital, which is agreed to be necessary, has been considered by the Comptroller for Development and Welfare in consultation with the Governor. Plans will be drawn up by a qualified hospital architect now in the West Indies. This architect will shortly be undertaking a survey of hospital buildings in the Eastern Caribbean Colonies and British Guiana, financed by a grant under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act.

Dr. Morgan

May I take it that in the meantime repairs have been done to make this hospital fit for use?

Mr. Hall

As I said in my Reply, running repairs are being carried out.