§ MR. W. F. LAWRENCE () Liverpool, AbercrombieTo ask the Postmaster General, as representing the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he can state the names of the firms who were invited to tender, and did tender, for railway material in respect of the Sierra Leone, Lagos, and Gold Coast Railways, also for coal for their use, and the quality and prices paid for delivery of coal and rails delivered at the various ports: And whether he will permit a Return to be prepared in detail of the cost of material and construction connected with the Lagos Railway.
1204 (Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain, for the Secretary of State for the Colonies.) The Question seems to have been asked under a misapprehension. The West African Railways have not been built by contract, but departmentally. Tenders have been invited from time to time for materials, etc., as required, and to give the information asked for would involve practically a reproduction of the accounts of the construction of the three railways from the beginning to the present time. It is proposed to lay Papers shortly with regard to these railways.