§ 14. Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make a statement on the construction of the railway from the Tanganyika Central Railway to the lead 370 mines at Uruwira; whether, in view of the recent reports that the prospects of large-scale mineral operations in this area seem unlikely, it is proposed to continue with the construction of the railway; and what amount has been spent on the railway up to date.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThere is no indication at present that the estimated quantity of basic ore is less than that which was considered sufficient to justify the construction of the railway, which is proceeding. The whole question will, however, be considered by the Transport Advisory Council on 10th December in the light of the latest information. Expenditure on the construction of the branch line up to the end of July amounted to £121,785 and the estimated expenditure in August was £21,431.
§ Mr. ErrollWould it not have been very much better to have built a road in the first place and only to have built a railway when proved traffic was found to exist?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe Tanganyikan Government did not think so.