§ SIR GEORGE BADEN-POWELL (Liverpool, Kirkdale)asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any further decision had been come to in regard to the proposed sale of the Jamaica Government Railways to an American Syndicate, payment to be in shares of a Company to be incorporated in New York; whether such shares will hold a prior lien on the Railway over all bonds and other charges; and whether, with a view to the extension of the Railway system in Jamaica, 516 offers for the purchase of the existing Railways, and their extension, will be entertained if made by English capitalists?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Baron H. DE WORMS,) Liverpool, ToxtethThe Secretary of State has not yet decided whether the Government of Jamaica should be authorized to recommend to the Legislature the proposal which has been made. If it is carried out the Company will be incorporated not in New York, but in Jamaica, under as special Act. It is proposed that the payment for the existing railway shall be made partly in cash and partly in second mortgage bonds; and that the Government shall have the right to resume the railways if they are not efficiently worked, though its bonds will rank after the first mortgage bonds. It is understood that the capital will be principally raised in England. A provisional agreement was made in the Colony in November last, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State, and confirmation by the Legislative Council. Though there is nothing to prevent other offers being made to the Government of Jamaica, they could hardly be entertained by that Government until a decision has been arrived at upon the agreement.