HC Deb 18 May 1949 vol 465 c405
7. Major Tufton Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will now 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. Creech Jones

I regret that I cannot as yet add to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member on 6th April.

Major Beamish

Is not this one of the most extraordinary things we have heard for a long time from the Minister—which is saying a good deal—in view of the fact that during the first few days of April the Governor stated that he had immediate plans to carry out this project? When I put a Question down a week later the Minister said he knew nothing about it and now, six weeks later, he still says that he knows nothing about it. What is going on?

Mr. Creech Jones

If the hon. and gallant Member will refer to the reply previously given to him he will see that it was clearly stated that boring could not start until July. That is the position today. It is not July yet.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider sending for the Governor for consultation?