§ 18. Mr. J. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how the new Uganda railway extension from Kampala to Fort Portal is being financed.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsNo decision has been taken to extend the railway to Fort Portal. It is, however, proposed, subject to the approval of the Uganda Legislative Council and the East African Central Legislative Assembly, to extend the railway some 50 miles from Kampala to Mityana. This would be financed by the East African Railways and Harbours Administration under guarantee by the Uganda Government. Any extension beyond Mityana will depend on the results of economic and engineering surveys now being arranged.
§ Mr. HyndIn view of the length of time this project has been considered, and the urgent technical reasons why it should now be given special consideration, will the Secretary of State consider the desirability of this extension in present circumstances; and will he make a statement to the House when it has been decided to go on with it?
§ Mr. GriffithsI am very anxious indeed to do everything we possibly can to facilitate the provision of better communications in Africa, which is one of our most urgent problems. With regard to the extension beyond Mityana, I would rather wait to hear the result of the investigations which are now proceeding.