§ 65. Mr. WADDINGTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any action is being taken to expedite harbour and railway development in Nigeria, having regard to the employment which will follow in this country in providing the requisite railway materials, etc.; is he aware that the next cotton crop in Nigeria is expected to be largely in excess of previous years and that the existing railway facilities are considered insufficient to move the crop; and will he make urgent representations to secure adequate transport development?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYThe developmnt of the harbour and railway facilities in Nigeria is being pushed on as rapidly as possible. It has been decided to resume the construction of the Eastern Railway, to commence at the same time the large bridge over the Benue, and to commence additional works in the Lagos and Port Harcourt harbours. Tenders for the materials required have been or are being called for. In addition, large renewals are being undertaken on the railway permanent way, numbers of new locomotives and wagons are being built and shipped out, and the construction of roads is being expedited to facilitate motor traffic. My hon. Friend can rest assured that every effort will be made to secure adequate transport for next year's cotton crop.