Port Development Schemes (Hansard, 27 April 1955)

§ 19. Major Wall
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what port development schemes are planned for the harbours of Cyprus.

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
In a report to the Governor, Sir Eric Millbourn, Ports Adviser to the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, has recommended the construction of three new deep-water berths at Famagusta and three more at Limasol and minor improvements at Paphos. As he also recommended, a detailed engineering survey will shortly be carried out to confirm the engineering practicability of the proposals and to obtain accurate estimates of their cost. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library, and I am sending one to my hon. and gallant Friend.

§ Major Wall
While thanking my right hon. Friend for that reply, and while welcoming the report, may I ask him also to bear in mind the claims of the port of Larnaca? This port is not selected for modernisation, and the town and district of Larnaca depend very much on modern facilities at that port.

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
I am aware of that fact. Of course, the report has been drawn up dealing with development in relation to the likely flow of trade through various ports, and that is the major consideration.

§ Mrs. L. Jeger
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of these proposals for port improvements have been hanging about for a very long time? Will he try to see that some real action is taken in Cyprus without any unnecessary delay?

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
I am all in favour of concentration in Cyprus on the things that really matter, and I hope the hon. Lady will help in that task.

§ Mr. Teeling
Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the development likely to take place in Famagusta may well do considerable damage to the archaeological aspects of that town, which could attract a large number of tourists? Will my right hon. Friend consider that it may well be possible that Larnaka could take the place of Famagusta for much of this development?

§ Mr. Lennox-Boyd
In this, as in all things, I shall do my best to reconcile the old world and the new.