Jamaican Hurricane Relief Fund

HC Deb 19 March 1952 vol 497 c2301

27. Lady Tweedsmuir

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps he has taken to ensure that the Jamaican Hurricane Relief Fund has been wisely distributed.

Mr. Lyttelton

The Fund is administered by a Committee of which the Governor of Jamaica is Chairman, and the fifteen members are leading figures in the public life of the Colony.

Lady Tweedsmuir

In view of the fact that the British Government gave a very large sum to this Fund and that there have been widespread allegations in Jamaica that much of the relief has been badly distributed, and that, in some cases, goods have been resold, should the Secretary of State not impress upon the Government that an inquiry should be made into this distribution, and the accounts published?

Mr. Lyttelton

The hon. Lady should know that the Government of Jamaica are now investigating these allegations, and when I hear the results of the investigations, I will take the appropriate action.