§ Sir O. THOMASasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the excessive freight charges on the railways in British East Africa are such as are likely to retard the development of the Protectorate; whether he is aware that a settler and his wife going out to a distant part of the colony were actually charged by the railways 234.50 rupees, over £23, freight for carrying 1,869 kilos, less than two tons, of their effects only a distance of 175 miles; and whether such charges are most discouraging to prospective settlers?
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§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYThe question of the freight charges on the Uganda Railway and of general railway policy in East Africa was fully discussed with the Governors of the East Africa Protectorate and Uganda when they were recently in this country, and various decisions made by the Secretary of State will be published at an early date. I fear, however, that it will not be possible to make any reduction in rates during the present financial year. I have no information regarding the particular case referred to by the hon. and gallant Member.