§ 14. Sir H. Harrisonasked the Minister of Overseas Development what technical or financial aid he proposes to give to St. Lucia, to clear the Gros Islet district of sand flies.
§ Mr. OramReports on the sandfly problem in this area have recently been made on the initiative of the Commonwealth Development Corporation and with the co-operation of the Ministry, following which we have received a request from the Government of St. Lucia for technical assistance to examine the feasibility of control measures. The Ministry's Medical Research Adviser is currently visiting the Caribbean and is discussing this request with the Government of St. Lucia and others.
§ Sir H. HarrisonWhile thanking the Minister for that partially reassuring Answer, may I ask him to note that the Beach Hotel, the main hotel there operated by the Commonwealth Development Corporation, is sited on a marsh, that many of the people who stay there are bitten by sand flies and cancel the remainder of their bookings, which creates a bad impression for the tourist trade which is so much required to help the economy there?
§ Mr. OramI am aware of the particularly bad effect that this is having on this hotel and the consequent effect it is having on the tourist industry. It is with this in mind that we are willing to consider all the help that can be given.