§ 35. Mr. McEnteeasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the financial prosperity of the Uganda protectorate, it is proposed to reduce the taxation now imposed on the native population?
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreThe comparative prosperity which Uganda enjoyed last year has, I am glad to say, permitted the grant of some relief to the native taxpayer. Certain taxes have been abolished and others reduced; and the people of Uganda have also benefited from recent reductions in freight rates on the Kenya and Uganda Railway to the extent of about £250,000. The Uganda Government has announced its intention of carrying out further investigations into the incidence of certain other taxes during the year, but I would remind the hon. Member that the new and extensive programme 1881 of development in social services, educational facilities and public works now in hand excludes the possibility of any substantial further reduction of taxation at the present time.