HC Deb 10 November 1947 vol 444 cc6-7
13. Brigadier Mackeson

asked the Minister of Food how many bulldozers have been landed in Tanganyika for use in connection with the groundnuts scheme; and how many were in action on 1st September, 1947, and what difficulties have been experienced in obtaining spare parts and maintaining the bulldozers.

Mr. Strachey

At the end of October, 366 heavy tractors with bulldozer or similar equipment had been landed in Tanganyika. One hundred were in action on 1st September, and 131 at the end of October. They are all military surplus machines and, as was to be expected during these early months, the supply of spare parts and the creation of the repair organisation has not been easy, but the Managing Agency is making progress.

Brigadier Mackeson

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that he is getting all the dollars he wants for the American equipment that may be out of action; and is every step being taken to develop British equipment for this project?

Mr. Strachey

There are not unlimited dollars, of course, for every purpose, but the chief limiting factor has been the inability of American producers to fulfil orders at an early date. Of course, in every case where it is possible, we Would prefer to get British goods.

14. Brigadier Mackeson

asked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement regarding the difficulties encountered in unloading and moving machinery exported to Tanganyika in connection with the groundnut scheme.

Mr. Strachey

The unloading of equipment for the groundnut scheme, coinciding with heavy arrivals of goods for other purposes, has caused congestion in the port of Dares-Salaam, and the movement of supplies inland is restricted by the capacity of the railway, but progress is being made in providing the supplies needed for the scheme.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Is not the Minister aware that the central railway from Dar es-Salaam has for years imported thousands of tons of every sort of produce and machinery, and will he give some more adequate explanation of this hold up?

Mr. Strachey

There is a greatly increased load on the railway and, more especially, on the port facilities. That, I think, is the chief difficulty.