§ 14. Sir A. FELLasked the Secretary of State for India why the Government does not build railway lines through the passes on the north-west frontier of India and keep armoured trains running through them, and so avoid the necessity of the long convoys which are being so often captured in the repeated wars which take place on the frontier; and if the expense of such railways would be saved by avoiding the cost of each of the frontier wars?
§ Mr. FISHEROne one case has occurred of a convoy being actually overwhelmed or captured in recent times on the north-west frontier. The main reason why construction of railways 1661 through the passes has not hitherto been undertaken, is that the territory in question is not part of British India, but belongs to the independent tribesmen, who have generally been bitterly opposed to its being opened up.
§ Sir A. FELLIs it not a fact that the real reason why this project has been blocked is that the Indian Government would not face the expense of the railways?
§ Mr. FISHERI am not aware of that.