30. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any information regarding the Vizagapatam and Cochin harbour schemes?
§ Mr. FISHER (replying in the absence of Mr. Montagu)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The construction of the Vizagapatam harbour, which it has been decided shall be carried out by the Bengal-Nagpur Railway Company, is to be commenced during the current financial year, a grant of Rs. 10,00,000 having been provided in the railway programme for 1920–21. The Government of Madras are desirous of taking immediate steps for the improvement of the Cochin harbour, but, owing to the inability of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to lend a dredger for the purpose, it is now doubtful when it will be possible to carry out the work contemplated.