HC Deb 07 May 1923 vol 163 cc1901-2
22. Mr. BRUFORD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a new palace is being erected at Dar-es-Salaam, in Tanganyika territory, for the use of the Governor; and, if so, will he say what the cost of the building will be and explain the necessity at the present time of incurring that cost?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Owing to the complete destruction during the military operations of the German Government House at Dar-es-Salaam, it was necessary to provide accommodation for the British Governor of the Tanganyika territory. The work was put in hand in 1920, and the building is understood to be now complete. The total cost is estimated at £54,000, and has been distributed over three years.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us how many square feet the residence covers, and has it a parlour?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I do not know; I cannot say.

Mr. SIMPSON

Is there a ball-room attached to this residence?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I think not; I believe it perfectly follows the lines of the old German Governor's house. I remember seeing that; it had a very large verandah.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the whole of this £54,000 have to be found by the British taxpayer?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

They are raising over a million in local revenue, but there is undoubtedly a deficit, and some part of that, no doubt, will have to be paid by the British Government.

Captain BERKELEY

Was not this sum voted by the local Legislature?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

There is no local legislature.

Major PAGET

Is it not necessary that The Governor should be suitably housed, in order to impress the natives?