HC Deb 18 June 1930 vol 240 cc382-4
26. Mr. DAY

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a report has now been received from the engineers and surveyors who were carrying out the investigations with regard to the construction of the Zambesi bridge, and whether any decision has been arrived at with regard thereto; and has his Department any information as to the monthly wages paid to Portuguese labourers working in the coalfields in this district?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Dr. Drummond Shiels)

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no information as to the rates of wages at the Portuguese coalfields, which are about 130 miles from the bridge site.

Mr. DAY

Is it not a fact that the general report is that these Portuguese labourers get 5s. a month?

28. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the contract for the Zambesi bridge has yet been placed; and if so, whether there have been any further developments with regard to the construction of this bridge?

Dr. SHIELS

The answer is in the negative. I regret that the work of preparing the necessary documents has proved heavier than was anticipated, and that the contract cannot be placed till next month.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

Do I understand that the contract will be placed next month?

Dr. SHIELS

Yes.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

Will tenders be invited next month?

Dr. SHIELS

I am sorry that I cannot add anything to what I have said.

Mr. LAMBERT

May I ask who is going to pay for this bridge? Is the British taxpayer going to pay?

Dr. SHIELS

No, Sir.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

Have tenders been actually invited for the carrying out of this work, or have they still to be issued?

Dr. SHIELS

They are being issued. It has taken longer to prepare the draft estimate and schedules than was anticipated.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

They have not yet been issued?

Dr. SHIELS

No.

Mr. LAMBERT

May I press for an answer to my question as to who is going to pay for this bridge? Is it to be the British taxpayer?

Dr. SHIELS

No, Sir; the cost of this bridge is to come out of the Colonial Development Fund.

HON. MEMBERS

That is the taxpayer!