§ 24. Mr. Skinnardasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the total sum available in the Protectorate Mining Benefits Fund in Sierra Leone for the year 1947; whether this was entirely disbursed on various social and economic projects; and what is the present balance in the fund.
Mr. Creech JonesThe revenue of the Fund in 1947 was about £14,800. Of this sum about £11,700 was paid out on social and economic projects, and a balance of slightly over £3,000 remained with the Treasurer at the end of the year. In addition there is a Reserve Fund of about £11,300. The accounts for 1948 are not yet available.