§ Sir G. Foxasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps it is proposed to take in the near future to improve and modernise the existing unsatisfactory passenger and goods transport facilities obtaining on the Tanganyika railways and on the road services which operate there under railway monopoly.
Mr. Creech JonesFor the past three years the Tanganyika railways have carried four times the prewar passenger traffic and double the prewar goods traffic, all in 265W prewar rolling stock. In these circumstances, some over-crowding of passengers and congestion of goods traffic have been unavoidable. New rolling stock and engines have been ordered. Railway road services were started during the war by using military types of goods vehicles fitted with locally-made bodies. More suitable passenger and goods chassis are now arriving in the territory, and longterm requirements are under review.
§ Sir G. Foxasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the majority of passenger and other rolling stock in Tanganyika dates back to the days of German occupation in that territory and that timetables only give an approximate guide to the day when the train is due to arrive and depart; what complaints have been received; and what steps are being taken to provide better facilities.
Mr. Creech JonesNo, Sir. The facts are that two engines out of 58, 10 passenger coaches out of 78 and 57 goods vehicles out of 1,294 date from the time of the German occupation. I am informed that, in spite of the heavy increase of traffic during the last few years and the long distances to be covered, 50 per cent. of the passenger trains arrive on time and the remainder average 25 minutes late. No complaints have been received and no specific action is contemplated beyond ordering two new third class coaches and two engines to replace the two which date from the time of the German occupation.