Uganda (Electricity Supplies)

42.

Mr. Dodds-Parker
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a date and charges for the purchase of electricity from the Owen Falls power station have yet been scheduled.

Mr. Dugdale
It is hoped that the dam will be completed and the first four generator sets installed by 1953. The charges for the supply of electricity have not yet been scheduled.

Mr. Dodds-Parker
Does the Minister appreciate that until rates and charges are fixed there will be no encouragement for industry to go there? Is he further aware of fears that industry will have to meet over-high charges to pay for rural electrification?

Mr. Dugdale
That is rather like the question about the chicken and egg: Which comes first? Until we know how many industries there are to be, and how much demand there is likely to be for electricity, it is difficult to tell what the economic charges will be.

43.

Mr. Dodds-Parker
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action is being taken to attract industry to utilise the electricity supply to be obtained from the Owen Falls dam.

Mr. Dugdale
Discussions have been held, and are continuing, between representatives of the Uganda Government and firms likely to be interested in establishing themselves in Uganda.

Mr. G. Beresford Craddock
Will the Minister say whether any consideration is being given to the electrification of the Kenya-Uganda railway, utilising power from the Owen Falls?

Mr. Dugdale
That is another question.