§ MR. HOUSTON (Liverpool, West Toxteth)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the capital invested in railways in the Argentine Republic, owned exclusively, or almost exclusively, by British shareholders (the companies being registered, and having their head offices in England, and their directors resident in London), amounts to about 120 millions sterling; whether he is aware that large quantities of railway material and stores have recently been ordered, and are being ordered, for extensions and renewals by the various railway companies; and whether he can state if any, and what quantities of this material are being purchased and manufactured in countries other than Great Britain.
§ MR. KEARLEYI am aware that the capital invested in Argentine railways amounts to about the sum stated, and that the railway companies are largely British. Also that extensive orders are being given by the companies for the supply of stores and materials here and elsewhere; but I am unable to state what quantities are 84 being purchased or manufactured in foreign countries.
§ MR. HOUSTONWill the hon. Gentleman make it his business to find out?
§ MR. KEARLEYI will inquire as far as I can.