§ 35. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the original estimate for the construction of the Mona Dam in Jamaica; to what extent this estimate was exceeded by the time the dam was completed; how much has been spent in patching it up since its completion; and how much more expenditure he anticipates will be necessary before the dam will hold water permanently.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe original estimate and loan in 1942 was £382,000. In January, 1945, a second loan of £80,900 was made. Since the completion of the reservoir in August, 1946, drains have been put in to diminish the effects on the structure of leakage. I have no figures for the cost of works done after the building of the reservoir. It is not yet possible to say how much it will cost to make the reservoir permanently watertight.
§ Mr. GammansIs it not a fact that this reservoir has never held water at all, and shows no sign whatever of being likely to hold water?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsWell, I believe it did not hold water, very securely.
§ Mr. DribergIs it not the case that no public project in Jamaica will hold water until the people there elect a Socialist Government?