§ 22. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary for the Colonies whether any debt against the East African Protectorate is made on account of the Uganda Railway; if not, how does the account stand between the taxpayer and the beneficiary in respect of that undertaking; what is the annual charge upon the Consolidated or other fund for interest; is there any and, if so, what provision for a sinking fund; and how does the account in that behalf also stand?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)Under the provisions of the Uganda Railway Acts, advances up to a total of £5,502,592 have been made from the Consolidated Fund for the purpose of construction, and the expenditure out of these advances had amounted to a total of £5,460,294 8s. 4d. in the period to 31st March, 1913. Repayment of the advances from the Consolidated Fund is being made by instalments of annuities (terminating 15th November, 1925) at the rate of £319,112 a year, for which provision is made on the Colonial Services Vote. No repayment has been made by British East Africa in respect of these advances, and no such repayment is contemplated under the Acts.
§ Mr. BOOTHCan the right hon. Gentleman say who are the contracting parties in regard to that contract?
§ Mr. HARCOURTThe contract has long been held, but I forget by whom.
24. Mr. EDMUND HARVEYasked the Secretary for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that natives recruited for the coastal plantations of British East Africa are locked in carriages sometimes for as long as thirty-six hours; and whether he can state what steps are being taken to remedy the admitted evil results of the practice?
§ Mr. HARCOURTI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for North Salford yesterday.
25. Mr. EDMUND HARVEYasked the Secretary for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the evil results of recruiting Kikuyu labour for the copra-producing regions of British East Africa; and whether, in view of the importance of preserving native health and life, he will prohibit the recruiting of the Kikuyu for coastal regions?
§ Mr. HARCOURTThere appears to be considerable difference of opinion among the witnesses as to the results of employing Kikuyu labour on the coast, and I am not prepared to take action, as suggested on the evidence at present before me. I am, however, communicating with the Governor on the subject.