HC Deb 03 November 1948 vol 457 c78W
79. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he has taken in the past six months to clear the congestion in East African ports and railways, in particular on the Tanganyika Central line.

Mr. Creech Jones

I have been in communication with the East African authorities and with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport on this matter. Steps have been taken to limit the volume of traffic passing through these ports to the quantities which can be handled. Committees have been set up at Mombasa and Dar-es-Salaam on which the port, railway and shipping interests are represented. These Committees are responsible for reviewing the position in their ports and for any necessary recommendations for avoiding congestion or delays to shipping and goods. On the Tanganyika Central Line the supply of second-hand rolling stock has enabled the railing of goods from Dar-es-Salaam to be increased. During the past six months additional covered storage has been provided at Dar-es-Salaam and additional cranes and open storage will come into use very soon.