HC Deb 12 August 1879 vol 249 cc820-1
MR. PULESTON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether it is proposed to guarantee a further loan for the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, or whether an application for such guarantee has been made to Her Majesty's Government by the Canadian authorities?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

I understand that it is the intention of the Canadian Government to make some proposals to us upon that subject, but no proposal has yet been received.

MR. FAWCETT

The right hon. Gentleman says he understands that such an application is going to be made, and we know that a deputation is in England at the present time. I wish to ask him, Whether he can give the House an assurance that such guarantee shall not be promised until Parliament has had an opportunity of expressing an opinion upon it?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

Of course, if the Government enter into any arrangement of the kind, it will have to be ratified by Parliament.