HC Deb 29 April 1953 vol 514 cc2129-30
9. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the execution of the Caura Waterworks scheme for Trinidad has been unsatisfactorily managed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lyttelton

Major works on the Caura Dam scheme were suspended in March, 1948, owing to the financial position of the Trinidad Government at that time. The scheme was estimated to cost £1,400,000 over a third of which had then been expended. The project has since been put on care and maintenance: but provision for its completion is included in the Trinidad five-year economic programme. A commission of inquiry was appointed in 1950 to inquire into certain irregularities in the scheme, and its report was recently published. This disclosed shortcomings in the supervision and control of the scheme, particularly in the purchase of materials and heavy equipment, and the supply of transport. Disciplinary action has been taken against three of the officers involved.

Mr. Reid

Have the funds for this scheme come from the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund or from the revenue of the Colony itself?

Mr. Lyttelton

I am not sure that I have the information readily available, but I shall be glad to supply it to the hon. Member.