§ 3. Mr. Haleasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he is now in a position to announce the result of the discussions with reference to the proposed railway extension in Swaziland.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerI having nothing to add to the answer given to a question by the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 3rd June, in which it was stated that the possibility of constructing a railway from Lothair into the Usutu forest area of Swaziland has for some time been under examination, in consultation with the Government of the Union of South Africa. Any extension beyond that is not at present contemplated.
§ Mr. HaleHas nothing emerged from the 140 days of prolonged cogitation and lucubration which have passed since then? Is there nothing that the Minister can tell the House?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerNo, Sir. I think, as the hon. Member, and other hon. Members on both sides, may know, there are big schemes for railway and other transport development in Africa south of the Equator. This is a particular case in which there are factors not yet known, and which may not become known for some time, and it is not possible to make a decision yet.