HC Deb 03 August 1885 vol 300 c833
SIR HENRY TYLER

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether Her Majesty's Government have yet considered the question of completing the Suakin-Berber Railway, and the communication by steamers between Berber and Khartoum, with a view to opening out the commerce of and conferring the blessings of civilization upon Central Africa; and, whether they will be prepared at proper times and seasons to proceed with and carry out that policy?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. W. H. SMITH)

There is no immediate intention of proceeding with the railway towards Berber; indeed, I may remind the hon. Member that a considerable part of both plant and material have been brought back to this country at great expense. The remainder of the Question has reference to a subject of far greater magnitude than could be dealt with in any ordinary answer to a Question.

MR. T. P. O'CONNOR

I wish to ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will advise the Auditor General to charge the Members of the late Administration with the expenses of this foolish fiasco?

[No reply.]