§ 46. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Messrs. Stewart and MacDonnell, the consulting engineers of the Gold Coast Government for Takoradi Harbour, will have an opportunity of submitting, together with Mr. Palmer's Report, their replies to any criticisms contained in that Report before Mr. Palmer's Report is laid upon the Table of the House?
Mr. THOMASMessrs. Stewart and MacDonnell have sent in their resignation, and I have accepted it on the ground that the Agreement with them has proved unworkable. I understand that they will submit a reply to the criticisms on their work in Mr. Palmer's Report, and until I receive that reply I do not propose to make any statement.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORECan the right hon. Gentleman make a statement, now that the resignation has been received, as to whether the work is going to be entirely cancelled, or whether somebody else will carry on?
Mr. THOMASI have already cancelled the work, and I am now considering fresh means of continuing it.
§ Mr. BECKERIf it is found that money has been wasted on this project by these contractors, will the Government be able to recover any of it from them?
Mr. THOMASThe hon. Member bad better put that question to some of those responsible for the undertaking.
§ Mr. J. HARRISAre Messrs. Stewart and MacDonnell refunding any of the £70,000 fee which they received?
Mr. THOMASI think it would be better to wait until I make a statement on the whole question. I have accepted the resignation, and have given an opportunity to this firm to express their views, on the criticism of their work, and it would be unfair for me to express an opinion now.
§ Mr. HARRISShall we have Mr. Palmer's Report before the Colonial Office Vote is taken?