asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he can state the cause of the delay in issuing the Report of the Ports and Harbours Tribunal; and if he is aware that important development works on various parts of the coast cannot be proceeded with pending the issue of this Report.

There has been no delay in the preparation of this Report greater than is made inevitable by the number and complexity of the matters to be considered by the Tribunal. I hope to receive the Report before the end of this year.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary state whether it is not possible to go forward with developments in regard to certain other harbours pending the receipt of this Report? Why is it necessary to hold up all harbour work until such time as this Report is presented?

I do not propose to do anything until I receive the Report.