HC Deb 04 February 1942 vol 377 cc1194-5W
Major Lyons

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether arrangements have been made by the Kenya Government to connect the new North Road through Central Africa with an improved all-weather road to the Port of Mombasa; and, if not, whether he will arrange with the War Office to utilise the services of prisoners of war to assist in carrying out this much needed work?

Mr. George Hall

A road reconstruction programme has been drawn up by the Central Roads and Traffic Board in Kenya and work is proceeding as fast as staff and plant permit. Priority is being given to those roads which have been most seriously damaged by military traffic before and during the East African campaign; and my Noble Friend has no doubt that the claims of the road to Mombasa have come under review by the Board. Wherever practicable prisoners of war are being employed for the road programme, for which provision of over £125,000 has been made by the Kenya Government in 1941 and 1942.