§ 1. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why the publicly-owned land at Cabrits, Dominica, formerly an ancient naval station, is left in a derelict condition, with its historic buildings overgrown; how many acres it comprises; and what action he proposes to take to restore the land, reinstate the buildings as an ancient monument or seek some other productive use.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mrs. Eirene White)The area of land known as Cabrits comprises approximately 250 acres in the northeast of Dominica, of which about 20 acres are used for forestry research work. The Dominica Government have been anxious to restore and maintain the 18th century fortifications situated there but have been unable to devote funds from available resources for this purpose. They have no immediate plans for developing the surrounding land.
§ Mr. ChapmanCannot the British Government offer some money? Is it not rather scandalous that we should have over 200 acres of potentially usable land just lying idle and unable to be approached except by penetrating semitropical jungle? Could we not find some productive use for it and restore the very 520 beautiful ancient buildings as relics of the eighteenth century?
§ Mrs. WhiteAs my hon. Friend knows, at the moment Dominica is a grant-aided territory. There are many demands there for development projects. Perhaps my hon. Friend will use some of his influence with his moneyed friends to provide some funds for this purpose.