HC Deb 12 July 1932 vol 268 cc1115-6
76. Mr. MACQUISTEN

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will inquire into the action of the Government of Tanganyika Territory in imposing a levy at the rate of £500 per annum on each motor lorry plying in the territory although these vehicles do not use the roads but travel across the veldt; and what action does he propose to take to terminate this charge?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)

The rate of tax to which my hon. and learned Friend refers applies only to heavy lorries plying between Dar-es-Salaam and Tabora, Shinyanga or Mwanza, or between Tanga and Arusha or Mwanza. These routes are impracticable except by using Government roads and bridges. The recent legislation providing for motor licences was passed in order to prevent uneconomic competition between road and rail. In the cases mentioned, higher rates were recommended by a Select Committee of the Legislative Council, but, after discussion with local bodies, the present scale was adopted. The Governor has been instructed to report on the system after it has been in operation for a year. Pending this, I do not propose to take any action.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Does not my right hon. Friend see the danger of the railways belonging to the Government, and that this legislation is simply racketeering on behalf of the railways against the best motor transport which the people of the Colonies desire?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

In some Colonies the railways are owned by the Government, and in others they are not. The essential interest of the Colonies is that the railways should be maintained, and that we should avoid developing in the Colonies the hopeless state that we have here.

77. Mr. MACQUISTEN

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will inquire into the action of the Government of West Africa in destroying the roads leading into the various towns in the territory so as to prevent motor-transport lorries or other like vehicles having access or plying thereto; and what action does he propose to take to remedy this?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I have no knowledge of any such action; but, if my hon. and learned Friend will say in which of the four West African Colonies this policy is alleged to have been adopted, I will make inquiries.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

I will find out from the officials. This again is a case of racketeering.