§ 28. Captain STRICKLANDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total estimated expenditure of completing the new trunk road between Jaffa and Haifa; what mileage is now complete; what is the present number of workers employed on the undertaking; and what is the approximate present monthly rate of expenditure on the work?
Mr. THOMASThe estimated cost of completing the road is £250,000 excluding the cost of any land, buildings or crops that might have to be expropriated for the purpose. Eighteen miles are now complete. No work is actually in progress at the moment, but construction will be resumed shortly on a further section of the road, giving employment to 150 men for about three months, and involving a monthly expenditure of about £1,500.
§ Captain STRICKLANDCan the right hon. Gentleman give any reason for the delay in the completion of this work?