§ MR. KINNAIRDasked the Under Secretary of State for India, bearing in mind the important military results obtainable by continuous gauge on Railways in a time of war, as proved by late events on the Continent, Whether it is the intention of the Government to adopt a new reduced gauge of 3 ft. 3 in. in the Railways to be constructed from the Punjaub to the frontier, thus introducing a break of gauge which will materially delay their proper and continuous working?
MR. GRANT DUFFSir, the Secretary of State in Council, after very long 1048 and careful consideration of the gauge question—a question with regard to which the arguments on either side are very closely balanced—left it to the decision of the Government of India, and that Government being fully cognizant of all the local circumstances, and having given all due weight to those very important considerations that are alluded to in my hon. Friend's Question, did determine to adopt the gauge of 3 ft. 3 in. for the railway to be constructed towards the frontier of the Punjaub, and its decision has received the confirmation of the Secretary of State in Council. I may mention to my hon. Friend that the Papers have been laid upon the Table, and will, I hope, soon be in the hands of hon. Members.