§ 6. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Undersecretary of State for India when the new railway through the Khyber Pass is to be officially opened; and whether it is expected by the Government of India to promote friendly relations with the Government of Afghanistan?
§ Earl WINTERTONI am not aware that any date for the opening has been fixed yet, but have reason to hope that progress may have sufficiently advanced by the end of this year. It is certainly hoped that it will promote friendly relations with the Government of Afghanistan. I need not say that its construction does not in any way imply any motive in the least inimical to Afghanistan, and I believe that Afghanistan will find in the railway a source of great convenience.
§ Mr. THURTLECan the Noble Lord say whether the Government have received representations from Afghanistan hostile to this proposal?
§ Earl WINTERTONSo far as I know, none, but perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question on that specific point.