HC Deb 28 July 1924 vol 176 cc1737-8
13. Mr. J. HARRIS

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what proportion of the original grant of £1,600,000 for the Takoradi Harbour works has in fact been absorbed under the Stewart and MacDonnell scheme; and what balance remains for the carrying out of the proposal recommended by Mr. Palmer?

Mr. THOMAS

The total expenditure on the Takoradi Harbour works to date may be estimated at £1,000,000, leaving £600,000 available out of the original estimate of £1,600,000. The greater part of the work already done will be embodied or utilised in Mr. Palmer's scheme.

Mr. HARRIS

Does Mr. Palmer's scheme include the necessary Government buildings for continuing the work, and the harbour? Does the estimate include the inspector's house, Post Office and all those things that will be required?

Mr. THOMAS

I am not sure, but if my hon. Friend will put down a question, I will give him the exact facts.

14. Mr. J. HARRIS

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it has yet been decided to accept the resignation of Messrs. Stewart and Mae-Donnell as advisers upon the Takoradi Harbour works; and whether this firm has offered to refund any portion of the fee of £70,000 paid to them for advising on the construction of these works?

Mr. THOMAS

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second part it is in the negative.