§ MR. LOCKEsaid, he begged to inquire whether any report had been received from the engineers sent out to construct the railway at Balaklava, stating the progress which had been already made, and the time that would be necessary for completing the railway? Also, whether any common stone road exists between Balaklava and the extremity of the lines capable of serving the wants of the army; and, if not, whether any orders have been given for the construction of such a road?
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONsaid, he felt much pleasure in answering the question put to him by the hon. Gentleman. Accounts had been received of the arrival of the engineers and workmen at Balaklava who were to lay down the railway. On the 6th of February they had already begun to lay a portion of the road down, and there were materials at Balaklava for the construction of fifteen miles of rails, together with all things necessary for the purpose of laying them down. The men were proceeding with the work with every prospect of speed and success. As to the question whether there was any other road between the extremity of the lines and Balaklava, he apprehended there was no other road than that which had hitherto existed, and which was so very bad as to be useless in wet weather.
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONsaid, he had received no report which would enable him to state with any degree of precision what length of time its formation would occupy.