§ MR. BUCHANANTo ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the greater part of the general stores for the Central South African Railways, obtained through the Crown Agents, is sent through Delagoa Bay rather than through British ports; and what is the reason of this preference given to the Portuguese port.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Lyttelton.) I understand that this is the fact. The Crown Agents act in such matters in accordance with the instructions of the railway administration which are specially given on every indent. The Crown Agents have not been informed by the railway authorities as to the reasons on which these instructions are based.