asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much of the £389,000 spent on accommodation for British troops in the Cameroons was contributed by the Colonial Office; and how long this accommodation will have been used when the troops leave this year; and how much of this expenditure will be recovered from the Nigerian and Cameroon Republic Governments, respectively.

Half the cost will be met by the Colonial Office from the Colonial Services Vote. The accommodation will have been occupied for just over a year when the troops leave the Southern Cameroons on 1st October. No part of this expenditure will be recovered from the Governments of Nigeria or the Cameroon Republic.

Is it a fact that permanent buildings were put up for occupation for just over a year? How does my hon. Friend justify this expenditure?

In the extraordinarily high rainfall in this area it is essential to put up buildings which will last for some time. I think that the steps we have taken are entirely justified.