HC Deb 30 June 1924 vol 175 c928
65. Mr. J. HARRIS

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, when considering the serious Report which he has received from Mr. Palmer upon the situation of the Takoradi harbour, he will take into consideration the advisability of removing the construction of these works from the Department concerned and call for tenders from private contractors?

Mr. THOMAS

Until I have received and considered Mr. Palmer's final Report, I am unable to say what action I shall take in regard to the future construction and completion of the harbour works. I shall certainly not neglect to consider any of the alternatives which appear advisable.

Mr. HARRIS

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the further fact that this is the third harbour scheme, which has been a fiasco, conducted by the local Department?

Mr. THOMAS

I will take all the facts into consideration, and I may say that I was so dissatisfied with this scheme that I ordered an inquiry to see if my suspicions were well founded.