§ 21. Mr. SUMMERSBYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the facilities provided at the new port of Haifa are already proving inadequate, especially during the season of citrus exports; whether he has received any recommendation from the Government of Palestine that at least six more berths should be constructed at this port; and whether he has been able to approve such construction?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERYes, Sir. I have recently approved a proposal by the High Commissioner for Palestine to spend a, sum of £10,000 on the preparation of detailed plans for the further development of Haifa Harbour, including additional quay berths and storage accommodation, in order that such plans may be in readiness for execution as demand requires. The question of construction of additional facilities will be considered, when the plans are available.
§ Mr. JANNERIs the rght hon. Gentleman aware that it will take at least three years to complete these new berths, and, in view of the fact that there is such tremendous pressure on the accommodation for the storage of citrus fruits, will he see that these works are taken in hand at once?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIn answer to the first part of the question, I should very much hesitate to accept that estimate as to the time, without the authority of the engineers. I think I have shown that the whole matter has been taken in hand very promptly, because the consulting engineers, who have done admirable work at Haifa, have, already been instructed to prepare plans. The hon. Member will also recall that a considerable work at Jaffa was put in hand some time ago.
§ 29. Mr. JANNERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the increased citrus exports of Palestine will necessitate the existence of 7,500 square metres of covered port storage space next winter and an additional 3,500 square metres each following season; whether it is anticipated that it will be possible to provide such facilities at Haifa; and, if not, whether he will now reconsider the advisability of instructing the Palestine Government to permit the construction of an additional port at Jaffa or Tel-Aviv or both?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe High Commissioner for Palestine is well aware of the need for increasing storage accommodation for citrus exports both at Haifa and Jaffa, and extensive measures of improvement, including the provision of additional sheds, are being carried out at both ports as quickly as circumstances permit. I am quite sure that it is unnecessary for me to issue any instructions in this matter.
§ Mr. JANNERWill the right hon. Gentleman consider developing a port at Tel-Aviv?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, Sir. I considered it a long time ago, and saw the site when I was out there. I cannot conceive anything that would be more unsound or uneconomic than to create a port there in view of the fact that there is a manginficant port, capable of great development, at Haifa, and that we are developing the port of Jaffa.