§ 48. Mr. HAYESasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the adoption by the Government of the principle of State railway construction in our African Colonies, the Government proposes to consider the similar adoption of State railway construction in this country in case of need; and, if not, whether he will state the reasons for this difference of policy?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe relationship between the State and the railways and the extent to which the State should participate in railway construction in this country or the Colonies must necessarily depend largely upon local considerations. So far as this country is concerned, I do not propose at present to take steps to alter the existing relationship, which, as the hon. Member is aware, was carefully considered by Parliament so recently as 1921.