22. Mr. SANDEMANasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what cotton crop he estimates Tanganyika would produce within three years of the new railway being opened in this territory?
§ Mr. AMERYThe hon. Member refers, I presume, to the short branch line from Tabora northwards to Shinyanga, which is now under construction. I am not in a position to give an estimate of the probable increase of cotton production in consequence of the construction of this line, but, if expectations are fulfilled, it should be very considerable. A year ago it was reported that the products of the area through which the line will run were greater than native porterage could handle, and the Shinyanga sub-district alone should produce 8,000 bales of cotton annually.