HC Deb 02 March 1955 vol 537 c266W
31. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the tonnage moved by Nigerian Railways in 1954 and in 1950.

Mr. Hopkinson

1,766,000 tons were moved in 1950 and 2,537,000 tons in 1954. This striking increase in performance, on which those concerned are to be congratulated, is due to improvements in maintenance and operating methods and in the supply of new locomotives and wagons.

32. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what approximate proportion of the export tonnage for Nigeria was moved to the ports by railway, river, and road, respectively, in 1954.

Mr. Hopkinson

As the exportation routes frequently involve a combination of two, and sometimes three, methods of transport, exact figures are difficult to arrive at, but about 49 per cent. was carried by rail, 25 per cent. by river and creek and 26 per cent. by road. The total tonnages involved were 329,200 tons by road, 622,172 tons by rail and 315,249 tons by water.