HC Deb 30 November 1925 vol 188 cc1801-2
16. Mr. LIVINGSTONE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state which is the total amount advanced to Kenya for the construction of the Uganda Railway; whether any interest has been charged; if so, at what rate; and whether any part of the principal or interest has been repaid?

Mr. AMERY

I understand the question to relate to the sum of £5,502,592 provided under the Uganda Railway Acts for the construction of the Uganda Railway. No interest has been charged to Kenya so far, and the question has by arrangement with the Treasury definitely been postponed for consideration in 1934, in view of the continuing necessity for further development of transport in East Africa.

Sir F. WISE

May I ask whether the Uganda Railway does not make a profit?

Mr. AMERY

Yes; but we are devoting the profit made by the railway to the development of the whole railway system.

Sir F. WISE

Cannot they pay interest on the money that has been loaned?

Mr. AMERY

Yes, but only to the prejudice of railway development in East Africa.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it not a fact that the profits of the railway are being used to assist the revenue and balance the budget?

Mr. AMERY

Not now. The revenue comes in a separate Budget for the East African railways.