§ 27. Mr. WEDGWOODasked whether the Bauchi Light Railway has been constructed with earthworks, bridges, etc., suitable for the present 2 feet 6 inch gauge, or for the larger normal gauge; how far it is at present open for traffic from Zaria; and whether any estimate can be given of what it has up to now cost per mile, including rolling stock, and excluding the same?
§ Colonel SEELYThe Secretary of State understands that the permanent way of this light railway has been constructed so as to allow of the adoption of a broader gauge if such a step is required in the future. Ninety miles of the line for which sanction was obtained have been open for traffic since the middle of March last, and the expenditure has been at the rate of £2,000 a mile, inclusive of rolling stock. Exclusive of rolling stock the cost would be approximately £1,750 a mile.