HC Deb 10 March 1924 vol 170 cc1915-7
73. Mr. MacKENZIE LIVINGSTONE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the owners of the land, including the foreshores, taken for the purpose of the Takoradi harbour works have been compensated; and, if not, what is the total of the outstanding claims in connection with these works?

Mr. THOMAS

I have no recent information on the subject of these claims, but I will make inquiries.

77. Mr. J. HARRIS

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is expected that the advising engineer will be able to leave this country for the Gold Coast Colony; whether the terms of reference given to this gentleman will include inquiry into the whole of the difficulties attendant upon the Takoradi harbour scheme, a re-organisation of the railway system to feed the harbour, and inquiry into departmental responsibility for the present difficulties; and whether this gentleman will possess any authority to advise the Governor to order a cessation of the entire enterprise, pending full consideration by His Majesty's Government of all the factors which have led to the present dilemma?

Mr. THOMAS

The engineer, Mr. Palmer, will leave by the first steamer in April, the intervening time being occupied with preliminary investigations in this country. His instructions are to report direct to me as soon as he is in a position to do so. The terms of reference are comprehensive, and will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. HARRIS

Will the terms of reference include an inquiry into the expenditure on these works, and is it true that the originally estimated amount of £1,600,000 has already been largely expended, before the harbour is begun?

Sir F. WISE

Would the right hon. Gentleman say which Mr. Palmer it is?

Mr. THOMAS

Mr. Palmer is a very distinguished engineer, who was recommended to me for his very eminent ability. With regard to the other supplementary question, Mr. Palmer was appointed because of my dissatisfaction with the whole position, but I prefer to say nothing until I have had his report.

Mr. ORMSBY GORE

Will the Governor of the Gold Coast be in the Colony when Mr. Palmer is making his investigation?

Following are the terms of reference to Mr. Palmer:

  1. (1) What expenditure the present and probable trade justifies at Takoradi?
  2. (2) Does the scheme as planned meet these conditions?
  3. (3) If not, to what extent, if any, can they be modified taking as a basis the work already done?
  4. (4) At what cost and in what time could the work be completed—
    1. (a) The scheme as now under construction;
    2. (b) The modified scheme now recommended.
  5. (5) Can works of a less expensive character be devised, and, if so, in what form?
  6. (6) Whether the system under which the harbour is now being constructed is the most economical that can be devised?
  7. (7) If not, what improvements can be suggested, whether by way of substituting a contract system or otherwise?
  8. (8) What are the reasons for the delay in, and excess expenditure anticipated on, the execution of the original scheme?
  9. (9) Any other matter which, in the opinion of the reporter, arises from the foregoing.