38. Mr. H. D. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the proposed Nigerian Electricity Corporation has yet been established; and what progress has been made with the 350 electrical and hydro-electrical development provided for in the 10-Year Plan.
Mr. Creech JonesDraft legislation for setting up the Nigerian Electricity Corporation, to manage and develop Government-owned electricity undertakings throughout Nigeria, has been prepared. Progress in the electric and hydro-electrical development projects under the 10-Year Plan has not been as fast as was hoped because of shortages of technical staff and delays in the delivery of materials and equipment. But schemes now being carried out include the extension of the Port Harcourt power station, a hydro-electric station in the Cameroons and another to supply Onitsha. The laying of the 11,000 volt underground cable from Lagos to Iju Waterworks Pumping Station has also been completed. Work to a total cost of £187,000 was carried out in 1947–48.
Mr. HughesCan my right hon. Friend say if the difficulties concerning technical staff and equipment are now being overcome?
Mr. Creech JonesThey are slightly easier and I hope we can get better deliveries in regard to materials.