MR. MACDONALD CAMERON&c.) (Wick,asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, with regard to the extension of railway from Naumoya to Haputale, Whether, in the event of private individuals undertaking to complete the 25 miles of railroad from Naumoya across the hill range to tap the Uva traffic at Haputale, Her Majesty's Government would be prepared to carry the traffic caught by the new line, at cost price, over the existing line to Colombo?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)The question of rates over the Government line would have to be carefully considered; and, while I am unable at present to give any pledge as to the basis on which they would be calculated, I may say that the Government would, in the event of steps being taken to form a Company, be ready to make such liberal arrangements as are possible, consistently with the condition laid down by my Predecessor, that adequate precautions should be taken, for protecting the Government railway system.