§ Sir O. THOMASasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is intended to appoint a special commissioner to advise as to the policy of improved railway communication in the areas of East Africa under British rule or mandate; and, if so, whether the name of this official can be announced to the House together with information as to the scope of his duties?
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYLieut.-Colonel (late Brigadier-General) F. D. Hammond, C.B.E., D.S.O., R.E., has been released from his duties with the Inter-Allied Railway Commission in Silesia to proceed to East Africa as Special Railway Commissioner, and is now on his way out. The appointment of a permanent Railway Commissioner will be considered at the conclusion of Colonel Hammond's mission. His duties will be to inquire into and report on all matters connected with the administration and working of the Uganda railway system, including the connected marine services and the terminal facilities, the rates to be charged, and the formation of an Inter-Colonial Council, representing the Governments of Kenya and Uganda, which will control railway policy in accordance with the principle that the system should be used for development purposes, and should not be called upon to show larger profits than those which are required for its maintenance and extension. Colonel Hammond will also report on the railway position in the Tanganyika territory.