§ 27. Mr. BOYCE(for Rear-Admiral BEAMISH) asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what rates are paid by the Tanganyika Government and the public, respectively, for the lighterage of imports and of exports?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe general export charge at Dar-es-Salaam was reduced on the 1st of February to 3s. 6d. or 4s. 6d. per ton according to the class of goods. The general import charge is at present 8s. 6d. a ton, which will be reduced to 7s. a ton from the 1st April next. These are the lighterage rates at the inner anchorage. There is a small additional charge for wharfage and cranage and the rates at the outer anchorage are higher, while special rates are charged in the case of certain commodities. I am sending a list to the hon. and gallant Member. There is no differentiation made in the case of Government imports.
§ 28. Mr. BOYCE(for Rear - Admiral BEAMI SH) asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many lighterage companies are operating in the port of Tanga, in East Africa; and whether Government lighterage licences at this port are restricted to British interests only, or whether other and what national interests now possess and exercise equal facilities for the lighterage of the port
§ Dr. SHIELSTwo lighterage companies are at present working at Tanga. Government lighterage licences are not restricted to British firms. I understand that one of the two firms operating at Tanga is largely controlled by the Holland-Africa steamship line.