HC Deb 05 May 1959 vol 605 c208
23. Mr. Willey

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the capital requirements of the Uganda Electricity Board.

Mr. J. Amery

My right hon. Friend has recently received from the Uganda Government a revised estimate of the Uganda Electricity Board's capital needs up to 1961 and these are at present being studied.

At the end of 1958 the Board had advances from the Uganda Government of some £6.5 million, which require to be funded, and it is seeking £4.67 million for the three years from 1959 to 1961.

Mr. Willey

As the Board lacks the capital to expand distribution and also to make full use of the power available from the Owen Falls, will the Under-Secretary of State see that the Secretary of State looks sympathetically at this application?

Mr. Amery

Yes, indeed. With the passing of the new Colonial Development and Welfare Act it will be possible for Her Majesty's Government to make an Exchequer loan to the Uganda Government if market finance cannot be secured.

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