§ 87. Sir R. HAMILTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Voi-Taveta 261 railway line in Kenya is to be pulled up or sold at a break-up price; that this line affords a valuable outlet for the produce of the Kilimanjaro region through the port of Kilindini; that the Mombasa Chamber of Commerce is averse to its removal; and whether there is any intention to relay the line elsewhere?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe line referred to is a portion of a short railway, part of which is in Tanganyika Territory, laid down for purely military purposes during the War. It is now in a derelict condition, and if retained would require extensive realignment The Kilimanjaro district in Tanganyika Territory is served by the existing railway to the port of Tanga, about the same distance as Mombasa. The military line is, therefore, not a necessity from a commercial point of view, and the cost of its reconstruction and maintenance would be very considerable. It has been decided to utilise the rails for necessary improvements on the railway to Tanga. The views of the Mombasa Chamber of Commerce have not been communicated to the Colonial Office, but I may say that the Tanga Chamber is strongly in favour of the decision which has been taken in the matter after long and careful consideration.