§ MR. MACLEAN (Oldham)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India what steps are being taken to construct the railway from Chittagong along the North-Eastern frontier of India to Assam, which would facilitate the transfer of troops and stores to Manipur; when it is probable that the works of this railway will be commenced; and how long it will take to complete them?
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS(Sir J. FERGUS-SON, Manchester, N.E.)In the absence of my right hon. Friend, I will answer the question. A concession has been granted to the promoters of a company for making the line in question; but its commencement and time of completion depend upon the ability of the company to raise the capital. Their concession lasts till November next.
§ SIR G. CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)Has any guarantee been given?
§ SIR J. FERGUSSONI am not sufficiently aware of the facts to be able to answer the question.