HC Deb 10 July 1958 vol 591 cc561-2
13. Mr. Peel

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the new ship on order for the High Commissioner of the Western Pacific has yet been delivered.

Mr. Profumo

No, Sir. Delivery has been promised by 10th August.

Mr. Peel

Is my hon. Friend aware of the many frustrations which tend to occur in these rather remote places in getting these orders fulfilled? In view of the great importance of senior officials getting round their territories, will my hon. Friend do his utmost to overcome the inertia which tends to be present in the affairs of these little Cinderellas?

Mr. Profumo

I do not think I can accept my hon. Friend's contention. In this case, at any rate, there has been no inertia. The building of the "Coral Queen" was started, but she was found to have inadequate stability.