§ 9. Mr. C. Royleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a contribution from the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund towards the cost of a new hospital in St. Kitts.
§ Mr. FisherThis has already been agreed in principle and a detailed scheme is now being considered.
§ Mr. RoyleCan the hon. Gentleman say how much is to be devoted to this purpose? Can he say what will be the total cost? Will the hon. Gentleman tell the House whether he will consult his right hon. Friend the Secretary for Technical Co-operation to see whether it would be possible to secure the secondment of a sister tutor, for which I understand there is great need?
§ Mr. FisherI have not heard this, but I will consult my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Technical Co-operation. The total cost of the hospital will be 1,700,000 British West Indian dollars. I cannot say what will be our contribution from C.D. and W. funds until the receipt of the finalised proposals which we have not yet had. I hope that the contribution will be substantial.
§ Mr. FisherI do not think that I can reveal a figure at the moment, because I have not been into the matter and have not received the scheme itself.
§ Mr. G. M. ThomsonFollowing the breakdown of the Federation, can the Minister say whether grants from C.D. and W. lie directly between Her Majesty's Government and individual islands or whether they pass through some internal machinery?
§ Mr. FisherSo far as I know, they lie directly between us and the smaller islands.