§ 23. Mr. Donnerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, at several mines in the Northern Rhodesian copper belt, large quantities of blister copper are stacked outside the smelting works, unable to be moved due to the shortage of trucks on the Rhodesian railways; that a further 40,000 tons await shipment at Beira; and what steps he proposes to take to ease this congestion.
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsI am aware that there are considerable stocks of Northern Rhodesian copper awaiting shipment. A number of wagons have been delivered to the Rhodesia railways from this country, and this has improved matters. There are still, however, shipping delays at Beira, but it is expected that these will have been eased by the end of April, and that the position will progressively improve thereafter. Representatives of the Ministry of Supply and the Ministry of Transport have been sent out to make a report, and this, I understand, should shortly be available. Meanwhile, some of the Northern Rhodesian copper is to be exported through Durban.
§ Mr. DonnerCan the Under-Secretary say why the Government opposed the purchase of suitable railway trucks from the United States, since they would pay for themselves in a year and would afterwards earn valuable dollars for us?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsIn 1947, 300 wagons were provided, from this country, and we are hoping for a similar number this year. We are not aware of any trucks being refused from the United States.
§ Mr. DonnerIs the Under-Secretary aware of the great delays which have already taken place on the railways in moving this copper due to the shortage of trucks?
§ Mr. Rees-WilliamsThe main delay is in the port of Beira, which is in Portuguese territory.