MR. BRYN ROBERTS () Carnarvonshire, EifionI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether Her Majesty's Government have come to any, and what, decision, either provisional or final, with respect to Mr. Cecil Rhodes' application for a guarantee by the Government of a loan or advance of money in support of Mr. Rhodes' projected railway from the Cape to Egypt; whether, if such a guarantee or partial guarantee is contemplated, Her Majesty's Government will be prepared to entertain similar proposals from other railway speculators; and whether an opportunity will be given to the House to discuss Mr. Rhodes' proposal before any binding step is taken by Her Majesty's Government?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI think I answered a similar Question a few days ago, and I have nothing to add to that answer, which appears to cover the present Question.
MR. BRYN ROBERTSBut was not the last answer to the effect simply that a proposal had been made and not yet acceded to? I wish to know if any decision has been arrived at one way or the other, or whether the matter is still under consideration, and whether the House will be given the opportunity of considering the matter before a binding decision is come to?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURYI think if the honourable Gentleman will be kind enough to refer to the terms of my answer he will be satisfied. At any rate, I have nothing to add on the main question. As to the House being bound, I can give no pledges on the subject in the present state of affairs.