§ MR. JACKSON (Leeds, N.)asked the Secretary of State for War, If he will lay upon the Table a Copy of the Schedule of railway plant, stores, and other material purchased for the Suakin and Berber railway now lying at Woolwich and other places; if he can state approximately its cost; and, whether it is the intention of the Government to dispose of it; and, if so, how, and when?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN) (Stirling, &c.)I should have no objection to present a Return of the Suakin and Berber railway plant, now lying at Woolwich and other places, if the hon. Member moves for it; but he will know, from his own experience at the Treasury, that the interest in and value of these voluminous and detailed Returns are rarely proportioned to the great cost and trouble their preparation entails. The approximate cost of these materials has been £320,000; and it is proposed to use them as opportunity occurs in constructing any railways that may be required for military or War Department purposes.