HC Deb 05 December 1951 vol 494 cc2371-2
31. Sir Richard Acland

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent coal has been found in Tanganyika; and what prospects there are for its development on any significant scale.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

A deposit of over 200 million tons of coal has been found in one coalfield in Southern Tanganyika. Of this, 65 million tons are so far thought to be extractable. Investigation of another deposit is proceeding. Development prospects cannot be stated without further technical information but, apart from this, transport to the coast must be provided. This is being studied.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the right hon. Gentleman make clear to his hon. Friends that this project was undertaken by a public authority, the Colonial Development Corporation?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

A public authority in which both sides of the House co-operated.

Sir R. Acland

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it clear that this arose out of the work of the Colonial Development Corporation, whose work in other areas has often been rather severely criticised?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Certainly, I have already said so.