HC Deb 16 March 1927 vol 203 cc2015-6
79. Sir W. SUDDEN

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that a contract for the construction and finance of a railway in Bermuda at a cost of £400,000 has been let by the Bermuda Railway Company to an American firm of constructors; and were any steps taken by the Colonial Office, when the licence for the construction of this railway was approved, to secure this business for British firms?

Mr. AMERY

I am not aware of the conclusion of such a contract, but am inquiring into the matter.

Mr. McNEILL

With my hon. Friend's consent, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement prepared on the same basis as the answer to his question of the 10th March, 1926.

Following is the statement:

Sir W. SUDDEN

When the right hon. Gentleman does inquire, may I ask that special reminders be made of the preferential consideration given for loans on the British Money Market of this Colony, and the need for business by the British engineering companies?

Mr. AMERY

Bermuda enjoys fully representative institutions, and the matter is primarily one for local decision.