§ MR. BRODIE HOARE (Hampstead)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is in contemplation that the Government of British Honduras should make a railway from Belize to the borders of Guatemala; whether it is true that the estimated cost of the railway will be £750,000, and that the route runs wholly through sparsely populated forest; whether he is aware that the interest and sinking fund necessary for the service of the loan which would be required would absorb 60 per cent. of the gross present revenue of the Colony; and whether he will consent to receive a deputation of gentlemen interested in the Colony before giving his sanction to any such scheme?
MR. CHAMBERLAINA survey and estimate have been framed, and the estimated cost of the whole scheme, including a pier at Belize, is much as has been stated, but very much further consideration must be given to the subject before any decision can be taken.