§ 22. Lieut.-Commander Maydonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made in implementing the Milbourne Report on the commercial development of Gibraltar harbour.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydPlans for improved oil bunkering and watering of ships have been worked out. The oil company concerned is willing to come into the scheme. Arrangements for certain Admiralty wharves to be used as part of the commercial port have been discussed and it is hoped will soon be completed.
§ Lieut.-Commander MaydonCan my right hon. Friend tell me whether any actual progress has been made in preparing these deep-water berths, and whether both fuelling and watering connections are available at the North Arm?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo, Sir. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretray of State was in Gibraltar recently and addressed himself, among other things, to this problem. The preliminary administrative work is being carried out, and I think that the coming in to the scheme of that particular oil company is something by which we are all gratified. The Admiralty have now made arrangements to produce detailed plans for the loan of their wharves to the Gibraltar Government, and these are going ahead. All the difficulties, one by one and quickly, are being moved out of the way.
§ Mr. John HallCan my right hon. Friend say if the tendency for American shipping lines to use Algeciras rather than Gibraltar is continuing?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydYes, Sir; it is at the moment.