§ Mr. Brockwayasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations the number and mileage of roads, other than earth roads, in Basutoland, Bechuanaland, and Swaziland, respectively; and what provision has been made for the development of adequate roads for transport in the three Territories.
§ Lord John HopeThe mileage of tarred roads is
Basutoland: 3 miles.Bechuanaland Protectorate: 1 mileSwaziland: ½ mile.The mileage of gravelled and earth roads maintained by Government is:
Basutoland: 850 miles.Bechuanaland Protectorate: 1,000 miles.Swaziland: 1,150 milesExpenditure on the development of roads in the period 1955–60 is planned as follows:
Basutoland: £179,452.Bechuanaland Protectorate: £282,750.Swaziland: £639,799.Further proposals are now under consideration.
§ Mr. Brockwayasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations the number and mileage of railway tracks in each of the three High Commission Territories; and what provision is being made for the development of rail transport in the three Territories.
§ Lord John HopeIn Basutoland there is one single-track line, one mile in length, connecting Maseru with the railway system of the Union of South Africa. In Bechuanaland Protectorate there is one single-track line of 492 miles between Ramatlhabama in the south and Ramaquabane in the north-east. In Swaziland there are no railways.
Provision is being made for the improvement of railway water supplies in 117W the Bechuanaland Protectorate. Sir Arthur Griffin, who until 1954 was General Manager of Rhodesia Railways, has investigated and reported on the development of communications, including rail transport in Swaziland. His report, a copy of which is in the Library of the House, is now being studied by the High Commissioner.