HC Deb 01 August 1952 vol 504 cc204-5W
Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is satisfied that due priority is being given to the provision of locomotives and rolling stock for the Sudan railways.

Mr. Nutting

I understand that orders for 225 goods waggons were placed by the Sudan Government with British firms in July, 1951, and that the delivery dates quoted at that time for these waggons have since been deferred. The Sudan Government approached Her Majesty's Government about this delay in June this year, and supplied full details of these orders in the middle of July. The matter is now being investigated, and I regret that I am not yet in a position to give my hon. Friend further information. I will write to him on the subject when a full report has been received.

I understand that an order has been placed for 19 locomotives due to be delivered before the end of 1952. It has not yet been possible to determine whether or not this order has been delayed, but no approach has been made to Her Majesty's Government by the Sudan Government about it.