HC Deb 06 April 1949 vol 463 c2056
78. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on his plans to sink wells in the Leeward Islands with a view to overcoming the present shortage of fresh water for agricultural purposes; when this project will be begun; and what will be its approximate cost over the next five years.

Mr. Rees-Williams

A drilling plant is being bought from Colonial Development and Welfare funds and exploratory borings should start in July. The cost of sinking wells if these borings are successful cannot yet be indicated, but £170,000 has been provisionally earmarked for water supplies in Antigua under the development plan.

Major Legge-Bourke

Is there no other way of calming the troubled waters around those Islands?

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