§ 20. Mr. Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Colonial Development Corporation is seeking to put its citrus packing station in Dominica to other uses, in view of the annual loss of £8,000 at which it is operating and is discussing these uses with officials of his Department; and what advice has been given on these points as to the best method in which it can be employed in the interests of the economy of the Colony.
§ Mr. HopkinsonI presume that the hon. Member is referring to a statement in the Annual Report of the Colonial Development Corporation which referred to discussions between the Colonial Development Corporation and the Government of Dominica about other arrangements for running the station. I am not yet aware of the details of these discussions, but my right hon. Friend has asked the Governor of the Windward Islands for a report and will communicate with the hon. Member when it has been received.
§ Mr. BraineIs my right hon. Friend aware that the Colonial Development Corporation blithely expected an output of some 30,000 cases a year, but achieved an output of only 3,000 cases a year? That is a serious matter for a small Colony with a poor economy such as Dominica. Can we have some assurance that alternative uses for this plant may be found at a very early date?
§ Mr. HopkinsonYes, Sir, we are well aware that this station has not operated satisfactorily and that the results have been disappointing. The discussions with the Governor are going on, however, and my hon. Friend can rest satisfied that we shall ensure that the plant is used for some suitable purpose.