Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what railways it is proposed to build in British East Africa or Uganda in the immediate future; and whether the construction will be placed to open tender?
Colonel WILSONThe new railways contemplated in Eastern African are a line from Nakuru, on the Uganda Railway, through Eldama and Eldoret to Soy, on the north-west of the Uasin Oishu Plateau, and an extension of the Nairobi-Thika branch for a distance which is still under the consideration of the Governor. It is not at present intended to place construction to open tender, as was explained in the reply to the question asked by the hon. Member for Barrow-in-Furness (Mr. Chadwick) on the 18th of May, the absence of detailed information as to the route of the Uasin Gishu railway makes it necessary to arrange for a joint survey by the Government and any contractor, and for this purpose it is impossible to negotiate with more than one firm at a time. Arrangements are in progress with Messrs. Griffiths, Limited, of Nairobi, for a contract which will relate to the survey only, but it is to be presumed that if a contract price can be agreed upon as a result of the survey, the construction contract will be given to the same firm.
Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the Report of the Uganda Development Commission; and whether it is proposed to act upon the recommendations contained therein?
Colonel WILSONThe Secretary of State has seen an advanced copy of the Report, and he is awaiting the Acting Governor's comments on the proposals of the Commission before considering them in detail.