§ 30. Mr. Dribergasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty to what uses the land owned or occupied by his Department at Port Royal, Jamaica, is now put; and if, in view of the overcrowded and squalid conditions in which the people of this place live, he will consider making some of this land available for their temporary or permanent rehousing.
§ The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Walter Edwards)The Admiralty land at Fort Royal consists of the old Naval Yard, the site of the old hospital, and land adjacent to the Naval Yard surrounding the lagoon. Part of the Naval Yard is used by the War Department; part is let to a commercial interest and the disposal of the remainder is under consideration. Neither the unused portion of the Naval Yard nor the sandy and swampy land surrounding the lagoon is considered suitable for housing. The Admiralty is advised that the site of the old Naval Hospital is more suitable for commercial development than for housing.
§ Mr. DribergWhat sort of commercial development does my hon. Friend suggest is likely to take place there?
§ Mr. W. EdwardsIt is not a question of what sort of commercial development is suggested, but whether there is ground suitable for housing.
§ Mr. DribergWould it not be more suitable for housing than the houses in which the people are at present accommodated?
§ Mr. EdwardsIt may be more suitable, but I doubt myself whether we want to erect new or semi-permanent houses on ground that is most unsuitable.