§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he would give a brief abstract of the figures of the chief resident engineer of the Kowloon Railway, showing how it is alleged that that railway can ever pay working expenses, interest, and repay the principal spent on its construction, even as an extension of the Canton Railway, in competition with the shorter navigable river which has cost nothing; and whether he has any corroboration of those figures from any competent person not dependent on the Crown Agents?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for the COLONIES (Colonel Seely)I understand that the Chief Resident Engineer is now preparing a revised estimate of profits, and, in the circumstances, it would be useless to give an abstract of the figures supplied some years ago. I would point out to the hon. Gentleman that the direct profit to be obtained is not the only matter to be considered. What is far more important is the indirect profit which will accrue to the Colony owing to the improvement of the facilities for trade with the interior of China.
§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether he will submit to this House, or make available to Members, the speeches addressed by His Excellency the Governor of Hong Kong to the Legislative Assembly of that Colony, on the 6th February and 13th May, 1909, acknowledging that the Kowloon Railway was being constructed under the Crown Agents with money advanced by them on the security of the funds of the Colony; and if he is aware that this project, which has already cost more than twice the sum for which it could be completed, is being continued in this manner without the free consent of the Government and Colony of Hong Kong?
§ Colonel SEELYIt is not proposed to lay any papers on the subject. In saying that the line has cost more than twice the sum for which it could be completed, the hon. Gentleman is presumably referring to the increase in 4 cost over the original estimate. That estimate, however, was very rough, and was never intended to be exact. It was based on a preliminary survey and included no calculation of quantities. It did not provide for rolling stock, workshops, and other important items. The line is being constructed with the full consent of the Colonial Government.
§ Mr. GINNELLDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman deny that it is being constructed by money advanced by the Crown Agents, and under their control?
§ Colonel SEELYNo, Sir; it cannot be said to be under their control.
§ Mr. GINNELLIs it not being constructed by money advanced by the Crown Agents?
§ Colonel SEELYI am not quite certain about that; if it be so, I do not know that it makes any difference.
§ Mr. GINNELLThe Governor has stated that it is so.