HC Deb 12 May 1948 vol 450 c2110
31. Mr. Baldwin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress is being made in the erection of the Central Training Institute for Teachers and a farm institute at Centeno, Trinidad.

Mr. Rees-Williams

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Minister of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for East Harrow (Mr. Skinnard) on 14th April.

Mr. Baldwin

Is it a fact that the Standing Finance Committee of the Legislature refused to vote the necessary funds in order to erect these buildings, and is it not true to say that a training and a farm institute are very necessary, not only for Trinidad but for the Windward and Leeward Islands?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I think it is desirable that the matter should be proceeded with. I was rather surprised that it has not been proceeded with, but the Legislative Council has decided that the cost involved is too great for the Colony's finances to bear; that is the reason for the decision.

Mr. Baldwin

Will the hon. Gentleman say what is going to be done with the unfinished buildings, on which a large sum of money has been spent, and is it a fact that a principal has been appointed to the farm institute?

Mr. Rees-Williams

That is another question. We are looking into that.