HC Deb 13 March 1957 vol 566 c1103
1. Mr. Orbach

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies for what purposes the proposed new and reconstructed airfields in Sierra Leone will be used; and what will be the appropriate cost of their construction and reconstruction.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd)

These airstrips are intended for internal security requirements and for emergency landings, and in due course may be used for internal air services. No overall estimate of costs is yet available, but it is expected that the costs of reconstruction at Magburaka and at Bo will be £820 and £4,500. respectively.

Mr. Orbach

Would not the Colonial Secretary agree that it would be far better for the economic and social welfare of the Colony and Protectorate if more money were spent upon internal communications, roads and railways?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Internal security is of the first importance.