§ Mr. Coulsonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what help was offered by Her Majesty's Government to Trinidad and Tobago after Hurricane Flora had struck Tobago.
§ Mr. SandysThe British Government were grieved to learn of the loss of life, injury and severe damage caused by the hurricane which hit Tobago on 30th 5W September. I am sure that the House will wish to join with me in expressing our sincere sympathy to the people of Trinidad and Tobago.
Prompt help was provided through the services of H.M.S. "Tartar" which proceeded at once to Tobago, the supply of tents from British Army stocks in British Guiana and the provision of anti-typhoid vaccine through the British Red Cross Society. As a further contribution to the immediate relief of distress, Her Majesty's Government made a gift of 100,000 West Indian dollars to the Relief Fund opened by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
Parliament will be asked, in due course, to approve a Supplementary Estimate of about £21,000 to meet this expenditure. In the meanwhile an advance has been made from the Civil Contingencies Fund.