§ 21. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what new schools are to be built in Dominica in 1839 the coming year; when a new primary school is to be provided north of Portsmouth; and what information has now been provided for the territorial government about British-made prefabricated schools that are hurricane-resistant.
§ Mr. GreenwoodThe Dominica Government have included three new primary schools in their development programme among which is one at Savannapaille north of Portsmouth. It is for that Government to decide when to proceed with it. Our building advisers are considering what helpful advice can be given to the Dominican and other governments in the area about hurricane-resistant prefabricated buildings.
§ Mr. ChapmanWill my right hon. Friend put every urgency into this matter? Is he aware that the position in relation to the condition of schools and the shortage of schools in Dominica is about the worst in the Caribbean? Would he insist that this is a matter for very urgent attention?
§ Mr. GreenwoodMany of these matters are urgent, but it is extremely difficult for Her Majesty's Government to insist on a matter which is within the terms of responsibility of a Colonial Government. Perhaps my hon. Friend is not aware that so far only one firm application has been received from Dominica for Colonial Development and Welfare money for schools.