HC Deb 22 September 1931 vol 256 cc1472-3
53. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will cause inquiry to he made as to the probability of this country having to meet all the interest on the loan for the Zambesi Bridge as well as to refund the capital of £3,000,000; what work is already actually under way; and what it would cost to cancel the contracts that have been let?

Mr. M. MacDONALD

I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend sees no reason to alter the view, formed at the time it was decided to undertake the construction of the bridge, that the Nyasaland Government, with the assistance of the grants sanctioned from the Colonial Development Fund, will be in a position to meet the whole of the interest and sinking fund charges on the loan. By the end of July last the railway approaches, 26½miles in length, were about half finished; the buildings, etc., at the site were in course of completion; large quantities of plant and material had been collected; work had begun on nine piers; and steelwork ordered in this country was well in hand. My right hon. Friend does not consider that any useful purpose would be served by inquiring what it would cost to cancel the contracts.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

I am to understand that that is the opinion of the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs? I put down this question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and not to the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, who, of course, is a railway expert. Has he inquired into the finance of this matter?

Mr. MacDONALD

I have answered the question on behalf of the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs. I cannot answer for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

I put my question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I wish to know whether the Treasury are satisfied that this waste of money has got to go on.

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Ought not any work in this country to be carried on, in order to give employment?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

On a point of Order. I wish to know whether there is any serious unemployment among the natives on the Zambesi?