§ 14. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what reasons the Government of Kenya and Tanganyika have decided not to accept the main recommendations of the Westlake Report that electricity resources in East Africa should be nationalised; and what are the conditions existing in Kenya and Tanganyika which prevent these Governments from accepting the recommendation as the Government of Uganda has already done.
Mr. Creech JonesThe Governments of Kenya and Tanganyika decided not to accept the Westlake recommendations at present, chiefly because their technical and other resources are fully employed just now and already considerable development plans, taxing the administrations, are in progress. The size of the electricity undertaking in each territory is much greater than in Uganda and the cost of acquiring it and expanding it would also be greater. The decision does 2069 not in any way preclude the two Governments from taking steps to bring the electricity supply industry under public control at a more convenient time in the future.
§ Mr. RankinCan my right hon. Friend say what the attitude of his office is to the application, of the Government of Kenya to raise additional capital? Does not that look as if there is no intention to proceed with nationalisation in the near future?