HC Deb 07 October 1931 vol 257 cc1108-10W
Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the total annual charge to be met for interest, sinking fund, and upkeep in connection with the Zambesi bridge; and whether that charge is to be met by this country, by Nyasaland, or out of the charges for freight and passenger traffic?

Mr. THOMAS

The full amount of interest and sinking fund payable by Nyasaland Railways Limited on the bonds held by the Nyasaland Government in respect of the Zambesi bridge and southern approach is estimated at £103,865 per annum, this total being reached in 1939. The upkeep of the bridge is estimated at £3,000 per annum. All these charges are to be met by the company out of its receipts. The interest and sinking fund thus received by the Nyasaland Government will be applied to the service of the guaranteed loan to Nyasaland, when issued.