HC Deb 03 March 1908 vol 185 c523
MR. COURTHOPE (Sussex, Rye)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what were the traffic returns and profits of the Uganda Railway during the last completed year.

MR. CHURCHILL

The total receipts of the Uganda Railway for the year ending 31st March, 1907, were £241,212 and the profits £76,763.

MR. HAROLD COX (Preston)

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea when the British taxpayer is likely to receive any interest on his investment?

MR. CHURCHILL

No, sir; I think the hon. Gentleman is aware that the fact that the Uganda Railway is now making a considerable profit is far in advance of any hopes entertained at the time the railway was constructed.

MR. COURTHOPE

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the length of permanent way laid down, and the sum expended, upon the Uganda Railway during each year since its commencement.

MR. CHURCHILL

With regard to the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the Final Report of the Uganda Railway Committee (Cd. 2164), especially pages 28 to 30, and with regard to the second part to the annual returns of expenditure under the Uganda Railway Acts of which the latest was ordered to be printed on the 12th March last.