§ MR. WATT (Glasgow, Camlachie)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, having regard to the enormous growth of taxation during recent years in inverse ratio to the condition of trade and commerce, he will, during the Recess, take into consideration the question of the acquisition of the trunk lines of railway by the State, with a view to further enhance public safety and afford greater facilities to the trading community by the establishment of a uniform administration, and as calculated to prove a large source of revenue to the country?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square)No, Sir. I must frankly say that I am not prepared to consider the policy of acquiring the great trunk railways of the country for the State.