§ 67. Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the committee set up by the Government of Tanganyika Territory, under the chairmanship of Sir Sydney Henn, is limited to selecting a route for the proposed south-western railway or whether it will be asked to advise on a road programme for the development of that part of the territory as well?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Dr. Drummond Shiels)No information has been received from the Governor beyond that communicated to the right hon. Member in my answer of the 25th of June.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREWill the hon. Member make representations to the Governor that in considering any railway programme in Tanganyika the vital question of main roads must be considered at the same time?
§ Dr. SHIELSYes, Sir, I shall be very glad to do that.
§ 70. Mr. ORMSBY-GORE (for Sir PHILIP RICHARDSON)asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, whilst British tenders for the construction of the new branch railway, Manyoni-Singida, and 37 diversions from the Central Tanganyika Railway line were below the cost estimated by the railway authorities, contracts have been given to foreigners, despite the fact that the money has been provided by the British Treasury; and will he take steps to ensure that preference is given to British manufacturers and contractors in all cases where British public funds are used for Colonial developments?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe money for this railway is not being provided by the British Treasury, which is only granting assistance by way of payment of interest on loan, equivalent to about 11 per cent. of the cost of material, all of which is being obtained in this country. I have no information as to the local tenders for construction work, but it would not be in accordance with the principles of the Mandate to confine them to British subjects.