§ MR. RANDLES (Cumberland, Cockermouth)To ask the Secretary of State for India whether the Government will press forward railway development in India, in view of the Report of Mr. T. Robertson; do they propose to adopt his suggestions, and in particular to increase the inducements to the investing public by improving the conditions under which guarantees are given; and will he further consider how far surplus profits from guaranteed railways can be devoted to reduction of rates.
(Answered by Secretary Lord George Hamilton.) Before taking action upon Mr. Robertson's Report it will be necessary to obtain the views of the Government of India, who will shortly address us on the subject. With regard to the last part of the hon. Member's Question, the matter of the reduction of rates on Indian railways, so far as it can be effected without undue loss of revenue, is one that is kept constantly in view.
§ COLONEL DENNY (Kilmarnock Burghs)To ask the Secretary of State for India if it is intended to lay upon the Table Mr. Robertson's Report on Indian Railways, and if the House will have an opportunity of discussing same.
(Answered by Secretary Lord George Hamilton.) Copies of Mr. Robertson's Report will, I hope, be distributed in the 1175 course of a few days. I do not understand the hon. Member to ask for any special opportunity for its discussion under present circumstances, as explained in my answer to the hon. Member for Cockermouth.