§ SIR GEORGE BADEN-POWELL (Liverpool, Kirkdale)asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether he can state the total amount of outstanding loans raised for the purchase and construction of railways in Jamaica; whether the Colonial Government of Jamaica has entered into negotiation for the sale of the Government Railways in Jamaica to an American Syndicate; and, if so, what are the terms offered by such Syndicate; and, whether the Secretary of State has yet come to any decision in the matter?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)The total amount raised for purchase and re-construction of railways in Jamaica is £800,300. The amount provided for by Sinking Fund and otherwise is £140,327, leaving a net liability of £659,973 at the end of 1887. An offer has been 513 made by an American Syndicate, as reported by the Governor in a despatch received on the 27th instant. This offer has not yet been considered by Her Majesty's Government, and they are not at present prepared to give the particulars.