§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been called to the statement of the general manager of the Uganda Railway to the effect that important new developments, both in respect of railways and harbours, are anticipated in Kenya and Uganda; and, if so, what these developments are?
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Mr. THOMASThe works in contemplation in Kenya and Uganda are those indicated in the reply given to the hon. Member for Windsor (Mr. A. Somerville) on the 21st of January, together with certain harbour improvements at Mombasa which are not yet definitely settled. I may add, however, that various improvements to the wharves on Lake Victoria are proposed in order to cope better with the transport of cotton pending the construction of the main railway extension to the Nile. With regard to that extension, I may observe that, for the reason indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Blackburn on the 4th of August, the construction of the portion in Uganda will be entirely departmental. Tenders will be invited for the construction of the portion in Kenya, The general manager has, it appears, made reference to the contemplated change in the position of the Uganda Railway so as to give legal effect to its separation, decided upon by Lord Milnor, from the Government of Kenya. I hope before long to receive the views of the Governors of Kenya and Uganda as to the form of the legislation required.