Page 367 - Bahrain Gov annual reports(V)_Neat

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CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT

(Report by Mr. G. W. R. Smith, Director of Customs and Port Officer)

The revenue collected by the Customs Department from all sources, including Boat
Licences, exceeded last year’s revenue by Rs 6,79,158/-, and exceeded the amount which was
anticipated in the Budget by Rs 2,399,900/-.
The increase in revenue is due in the main to heavy imports of rice, nearly double the
quantity being imported during the year under review than in 1955.
The price of rice and other foodstuffs was approximately 10 per cent, dearer than in the
previous year.
Direct Transhipment and Re-export cargoes from Bahrain to Saudi Arabia were consider­
ably higher in 1956 than in the previous year, more rice, tea and machinery being exported to
that country.

Accidents within Port Limits. On the 29th October, 1956, a foreign country craft, laden
with a cargo of Busrah dates and date seeds, capsized and sank due to rough weather near
Fasht al Yarem. The craft was salvaged and part of the cargo saved.

General. The estimated revenue for 1957, Rs 110,00,000/-, although well below the actual
revenue collected during 1956, is based on the fact that due to the closure of the Suez Canal,
fewer voyages will be made by regular liner vessels carrying cargoes for Bahrain with the
possible consequent reduction in imports.
In addition to reclamation work which was started on the west side of the main pier early
in 1956, a further area, between the two piers has been filled in, capable of taking 10 to 15,000
tons of cargo. When all the present construction is completed the storage capacity of the
Customs premises will be approximately 65,000 tons.
It is strongly recommended that further areas be reclaimed and early consideration given
to creating a free area within the port of Bahrain.

Deep Water Pier. Work in connection with the construction of a four-berth wharf,
has been started by the Pakistan firm of Gammon (Pakistan) Ltd.

Food Control. After the cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, it was necessary to
re-impose controls on certain essential foodstuffs, such as rice, flour, ghee and sugar. Fortun­
ately, large shipments of rice and flour arrived during late November and December, only
sugar remaining in short supply. Sugar supplies to Bahrain are bought in the U.K.