HC Deb 25 February 1953 vol 511 cc2073-5
20. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many locomotives have been supplied to Nigeria since 1945; and at what dates they were delivered.

Mr. Lyttelton

One hundred and thirty-two. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement of delivery dates.

Mr. Johnson

Is the Minister aware that about 400,000 tons of peanuts are lying at Kano after two years of Conservative government, and that if only those could be taken down to the coast our housewives would get more than a quarter of a pound of margarine? Will the right hon. Gentleman expedite the matter?

Mr. Lyttelton

I am very glad that the hon. Member has raised this question, which has been giving the Ministers in Nigeria and myself considerable anxiety. We had a very difficult heritage in these railways. We have now succeeded in increasing the railings from 23,000 tons in the middle of last year to 42,000 tons a month. That is a striking increase, and if that can be continued we shall work off all the backlog by the autumn.

Mr. Tilney

Does my right hon. Friend agree that if there had been spent in improving the transport facilities of Nigeria a fraction of the money that was lost in trying to grow peanuts in East Africa there would he no transport problem?

Mr. Lyttelton

That is a melancholy fact.

Mr. Johnson

Is the Minister aware that despite all this tale, with the same harvest there is—

Mr. Lyttelton

On a point of order. Is the hon. Member entitled to say that my answer is a tale, Sir?

Mr. Speaker

I did not hear the expression "tale." If the hon. Member used it, I am sure he used it in the sense of a narration.

Following is the statement:

NUMBER AND DELIVERY DATES OF LOCOMOTIVES SUPPLIED TO NIGERIAN RAILWAYS SINCE 1945
Type Quantity Shipped from United Kingdom
0–8–0 11 March to December, 1946.
2–8–2 14 June and July, 1947.
0–8–0 4 March to May, 1948.
2–6–2 22
0–8–0 12 November, 1948, to September, 1949.
2–8–2 10 April, 1949.
2–8–2 43 February, 1949, to June. 1950.
2–8–2 9 March, 1951.
2–8–2 7 September, 1952.
21. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of locomotives in running order upon the Nigerian railway; and the numbers of locomotives in the repair sheds at Lagos (Ebute Metta), Enugu and Kaduna, respectively, for the latest convenient date.

Mr. Lyttelton

One hundred and twenty on 19th February. The number of locomotives in workshops at Ebute Metta, Enugu and Zaria was 23, seven and one respectively.

Mr. Johnson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we need many more skilled fitters in these sheds, and that if he does not get the transport system working better than it is the whole of the economic system of Nigeria will be upset?

Mr. Lyttelton

In reply to the narration of the hon. Member, may I say that we have taken all the measures I can think of and that I should be glad to hear of any others. We have filled several outstanding vacancies at the supervisory level with railway and technical staff; arrangements with British Railways for the training of 11 craftsmen and six fitters every two years have been completed; administrative reorganisation of the maintenance and workshops divisions has been completed; and the order of additional locomotives which should have been placed long ago has now been effected.

44. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many locomotives and railway wagons, ordered by the Nigerian railways, are still undelivered; and when delivery is expected.

Mr. Lyttelton

Forty-two locomotives and 100 bogie covered goods wagons. Of these, 12 locomotives are due in December, another 15 by the end of January, 1954, and the balance of 15 during the second half of 1954. The order for wagons is due to be completed by the end of this year; delivery will begin about the end of August.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are a number of locomotives and railway wagons due to be delivered to Persia which cannot be delivered owing to present difficulties? Would he see whether it is possible to obtain them for Nigeria, if the gauge is suitable?

Mr. Lyttelton

I have tried in various ways to put my hands on anything which may be available and I will certainly follow up my hon. Friend's suggestion.