HC Deb 28 February 1951 vol 484 cc2066-7
5. Mr. Browne

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the growing economic importance of Cyprus, it is proposed to give any assistance to the island in improving the harbour facilities.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Existing facilities for merchant ships are considered adequate except at Limassol. Proposals for improvements at Limassol recommended by consulting engineers are now under examination. The cost would be met from Cyprus funds.

Mr. Browne

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the people of Cyprus will be very glad to have this information about Limassol? Is he aware that at Famagusta there is no crane capable of working a ship, that there are only two mechanical cranes capable of lifting three tons from ground level on to a lorry and that there is no lighting at the harbour entrance, which means that no ship can leave or enter after dark? Will he look into this matter?

Mr. Griffiths

I will look into the matter, but my information is that the facilities are adequate. We are trying to make them adequate in Limassol.

Captain Ryder

Would it not greatly improve the prosperity of Cyprus if these harbour facilities were improved?

Mr. Griffiths

They are to be improved at Limassol, and I understand that they are already adequate in other ports.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Has consideration been given to bringing these needs of Cyprus under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act?

Mr. Griffiths

Cyprus has funds of its own which are adequate, we think, to meet the cost of these improvements.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is this not a terrible legacy which we have inherited from the Tories?

44. Mr. Browne

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, in view of the growing strategic importance of the island of Cyprus, what steps he is taking to ensure that satisfactory harbour facilities are maintained.

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. Walter Edwards)

Present harbour facilities in Cyprus are sufficient to provide for strategic requirements.

Mr. Browne

Does the Minister not think that for an island of the strategic importance of this Colony to have a harbour which only holds ships drawing no more than 22 ft. 6 in. and no more than 425 ft. in length is not sufficient and that this matter should be looked at again at the earliest opportunity?

Mr. Edwards

This matter has been looked at by our advisers and my answer gives the information we obtained.

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