§ 12 and 13. Sir Ralph Glynasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) how much work has been carried out to dredge the Escravos Bar off the Nigerian coast; whether he is aware that continued silting has now reduced the channel to under 13 feet; and whether any new decision has been reached as to the minimum depth of water needed for the passage of ocean vessels;
(2) whether he is satisfied that the crew of the Lagos harbour dredger "Ibadan" is suited to the work on the Escravos Bar; and that his technical staff is adequate to prevent the suspension of dredging in Lagos Harbour when work on the Escravos Bar is in progress.
Mr. Creech JonesI am in consultation with the Governor of Nigeria on this matter and will write to the hon. Member.
§ Sir R. GlynDoes my right hon. Friend realise that until this bar is dredged it adds greatly to the cost of 1200 traffic out there and that it is a matter of extreme urgency?