Deaths By Drowning

HC Deb 17 April 1957 vol 568 c1918

38. Sir L. Plummer

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many deaths by drowning have occurred in the Carib Quarter and Castle Bruce area of the island of Dominica, British West Indies, during the past three years.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Three, Sir.

Sir L. Plummer

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that these deaths are very largely caused because road transport is inadequate and that the occupants of the area have to travel 35 miles in canoes? Is that not a sign of the urgent need for some sort of road to the capital?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am well aware of the need for better roads. Road building figures largely in the C.D. and W. programme, but I am glad to say that only one of these three regrettable deaths could conceivably be attributed to the poor roads.