MR. GIBSON BOWLESI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether any steps have been taken by the Government in pursuance of the decision announced on June 27th, 1901, to have a complete survey, with bearings and soundings, taken of the eastern side of the rock of Gibraltar, and to institute observations there to ascertain the set of the sea currents, and how many working days could be used in the year for the construction of a harbour and dock on that side of the rock, as recommended by the Gibraltar Committee; and whether the Government has now come to any final determination as regards the works at Gibraltar, and the provision there of anchorage, docks, and works not exposed to converging fire from foreign territory.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURA civil engineer was sent out to Gibraltar in November, 1901, for the purpose of making the necessary survey. Upon the completion of the required data in April last the assistant hydrographer of the Navy was sent out to draw out with him a joint report of the whole scheme. Both these officers have recently returned to England, and are now engaged in drawing up their report. Pending the completion of the report no final decision as regards any works on the eastern side of Gibraltar has been come to.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI shall have to consult my noble friend the First Lord of the Admiralty before I can answer that Question.