§ Mr. REESasked the Under-Secretary of the Colonies if the Secretary of State can give the House any information as to the arrangements made for financing the extension of the Uganda Railway?
§ Colonel SEELYThe only extension of the Uganda Railway at present authorised is the line from Jinja to Kakindu. I am informing my hon. Friend in reply to another question how the cost is to be provided.
§ Mr. REESasked whether the Government proposes to construct a branch line to the tin fields of Bauchi from the Baro-Kano line; whether of the latter line no less than 100 miles have been laid in the current year; and, if the answer in either or in both cases be in the affirmative, whether the Secretary of State will give the House any information as to the manner in which these lines and extensions have been, are being, and will be financed?
§ Colonel SEELYThe Government is not prepared to undertake at the present moment a branch line from the Baro-Kano Railway to the tin fields of Bauchi. Railhead has advanced more than 100 miles during the course of the present year. Full information as to the manner in which funds have been provided for the construction of the railway will be found in the papers laid before Parliament in March, 1909 (Command 4523).
§ Colonel SEELYI think it best to refer my hon. Friend to the Command paper. He will find the full accounts of it set out in Command 4523.
§ Mr. REESasked whether a railway is being constructed from Jinja to Kakindu on the Victoria Nile in order to turn the rapids of the river; and, if so, in what manner such construction is being, or is to be, financed?
§ Colonel SEELYAuthority has been given for the construction of a railway from Jinja to Kakindu. The amount necessary for construction will be advanced as a loan from Imperial Funds.
§ Mr. REESDo the Colonial Office contemplate making similar advances from Imperial funds to develop railway extension in other parts of Africa?
§ Colonel SEELYThat depends upon circumstances. It depends upon the railway.