asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the original estimate of the cost of the new bonding warehouse at Castries, St. Lucia; and what the actual cost is likely to be.

The original estimate for the bonded warehouse at Castries was £21,500. This included two storage sheds at an estimated cost of £9,500. Only the two sheds have been built so far. They have cost about £13,000. This is due to a 12½ per cent. increase in their size and a 10 per cent. increase in building costs.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me where the extra money is to come from to pay for this additional cost?

Revised estimates for the remainder of the scheme, including passenger and baggage accommodation and work on the wharf, will be prepared shortly in connection with the second phase.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the original estimate of the cost of the sewerage scheme being carried out at Castries, St. Lucia; and what the actual cost is likely to be.

The original estimate by the consulting engineers in 1949 was £110,000. About one-tenth of the work has been done and unexpected difficulty has been experienced with waterlogged ground. Revised estimates are under discussion. If the remainder of the ground is equally difficult the cost of the whole scheme, taking into account increases in the cost of materials since the original estimate was prepared, may possibly reach £190,000. If the ground is no more difficult than was thought when the first estimate was prepared the cost may be considerably less.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell me again who will pay for the extra cost of this scheme?

I think the answer to that is obvious. It is under the control of the Colonial Development Corporation.