§ 12. Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why farmers in Tanganyika are required to pay more for fertilisers than in Kenya when the railway transport is a Government monopoly in both countries; how much cheaper it it is in Northern Rhodesia; and what is the reason.
§ Mr. LytteltonI am consulting the Governors concerned and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I have received their replies.
§ Mr. TeelingIs my right hon. Friend aware that at least two European communities in Southern Tanganyika have become so dissatisfied about the problem—after all, it should be dealt with by the High Commissioner for the three Territories—that they have actually asked to join Northern Rhodesia?
§ Mr. LytteltonI am obliged to my hon. Friend for bringing up the matter. I had received no information on it until his Question was put down. I have now asked for information.
§ Mr. E. L. MallalieuI welcome the conversion to Socialism indicated by the Question. Can the right hon. Gentleman state that the railways will be run as a social service and not merely as a commercial enterprise?
§ Mr. LytteltonI can give no such undertaking.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction about the price of fertilisers in Northern Rhodesia as well, it being more than double that in this country, and that the difference is not accounted for by the difference in freight charges alone?