§ Mr. Iremongerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which islands in the Gilbert and Ellice groups, respectively, are to be provided with deep water entrances to their lagoons by reef blasting operations; and if he will give details of these operations.
§ Mr. MaudlingWith the willing help of the War Office, for which I am most grateful to my right hon. Friend, a party of Royal Engineers is to improve the passage for small boats and canoes through the reefs of the islands of Arorae, Tamana, Beru (Taboiaki and Tebikeriki entrances), Aranuka and Marakei (Tetabuki and Rawannawi entrances) in the Gilbert Group. Nui and Nanumanga in the Ellice Group and Hull, Sydney and Gardner in the Phoenix Group. The party, which has been specially trained for the task, left for the Pacific on 12th February and the job is expected to take about eight months. The cost is being met from Colonial Development and Welfare funds. If my hon. Friend would like further details, perhaps he would write to me.