§ SIR HENRY TYLERasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether a contract has been made for the construction of a Railway between the Red Sea and the Nile; what are generally the conditions of that contract; whether it is intended to employ native workmen; and, when it is expected that the Railway will be completed; and what will be the gauge?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONA line of railway between Suakin and Berber has been approved; and its construction under military supervision has been confided to the firm of Messrs. Lucas and Aird. The line will be made by sections of 50 miles, the plant for the successive sections being forwarded as required. Messrs. Lucas and Aird find the plant and labour, the War Department paying the actual disbursements of the firm, whether in material or wages. 913 The agents receive a small commission. It is intended, if possible, to employ Native labour. Until the military operations in the vicinity of Suakin have been further developed, it is impossible to form an estimate of the probable date of the completion of the railway. The gauge is 4 feet 8½ inches.
§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELLMay I ask where the money to pay for this railway is to come from?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe cost of the railway will, of course, be defrayed from Votes which Parliament will be asked to grant.