§ 48. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the principal object of the Takoradi (Gold Coast) Harbour scheme is that of providing facilities for ships to load alongside and of avoiding in future the necessity of lighterage: whether the provision of these 1452 facilities is a clear obligation of the contractors under the present contract for £1,600,000; and whether the depth of water to be obtained will be adequate for the largest class of vessels which call at ports in the Gold Coast Colony?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe Takoradi Harbour is being constructed departmentally and not by contractors. The present modified scheme does not provide facilities—as the more expensive one would—for ships of the largest size to load alongside, but they will lie in still water close to the shore, and smaller ships will be able to lie alongside. The scheme is, however, to be regarded as a first instalment of a larger plan to be completed as and when circumstances permit —which will enable ships of the largest size to load at the wharves.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say what the cost of this scheme is likely to be when it is completed?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI should like to have notice of that question.