§ 10. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what will be the new basis of the port charges which will be introduced and become effective at Kilindini Harbour, Kenya, on 1st April; and what amount it is expected to derive yearly from this alteration?
§ Mr. AMERYThe new rates comprise a wharfage charge on imports of 1 per cent. on the duty-paid value plus a handling charge of 4s. per bill of lading ton (minimum charge 2s.). The charges on exports are based on a commodity schedule. According to a Press report the new charges are expected to bring in £50,000, but I am unable to confirm this estimate.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHas the right hon. Gentleman seen Press reports of a statement as to the reduction of the charges on the Uganda Railway and an increase of the charges in Kilindini, and has he noticed the reductions are all for the benefit of Europeans and the increases all to penalise the natives?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman look into this matter and see if that is so?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs this not an example of the right hon. Gentleman's interpretation of the Duke of Devonshire's Command Paper of 1922 as to it being our sacred trust to safeguard the interests of the natives?
§ Mr. DAYWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether this will relieve the responsibility for the loss that has been made by the railway companies in the past?