Mr. J. HARRasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether any suspension has taken place upon the Takoradi harbour works, due to the supply of defective materials or tools; what is the anticipated financial loss due 1061W to such suspension; and upon whom in this country devolves the responsibility for having passed the defective goods; (2) what was the original estimate of the cost of the Takoradi harbour scheme; whether it has now been discovered that this estimate must be substantially increased; and whether, before proceeding further in the matter, he will obtain an estimate for the construction of these extensive works from a private firm of contractors?
Mr. THOMASThe original estimate for the Takoradi Harbour was £1,600,000—it now appears that the completion of the work will be considerably delayed. This delay is attributed by the firm in charge of construction to various causes. Whether the delay is rightly so attributed and to what extent it will result in an increase of expenditure I am not at present in a position to say. I am not at all satisfied with the situation, and I am considering the immediate appointment of an eminent engineer to go into the whole matter on the spot with as little delay as possible, and report to me.