HC Deb 07 March 1951 vol 485 cc63-4W
Mr. Alport

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the detailed survey of the coalfield area in the Southern Province of Tanganyika has revealed the existence of coal in workable quantities and of commercial grades.

Mr. J. Griffiths

The Colonial Development Corporation is engaged in the investigation of two coalfields in the Southern Province of Tanganyika, Ngaka and Kitewaka. In the Ngaka coalfield the diamond drilling programme, which has so far covered one-eighth of the area, indicates the existence of 50 million tons of coal, of which 15 million tons would be workable. The coal is of a fair quality with a calorific value of 10,000 British Thermal Units per ton. In the Kitewaka coalfield a geological survey and diamond drilling are just commencing.