§ Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in Uganda the cost of moving produce by means of motor transport-works out at 2s. 6d. per ton mile for a 50-cwt. lorry, and 2s. per ton mile for a five-ton lorry, and that as a result, important foodstuffs cannot be moved at a profit; and will ho take steps so as to provide for a light railway, in order that goods may be conveyed to the coast at a cheaper rate?
§ Mr. AMERYThe information contained in the question is embodied in the Report of the East Africa Commission. The problem of auxiliary transport in the tropics is not an easy matter, and i am not at present satisfied that the construction of light railways is the most economical solution. I should prefer to see a further development of the construction of standard railways, which would be fed by short distance haulage.