HC Deb 25 November 1909 vol 13 cc464-5W
Mr. GINNELL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state on whose recommendation the late chief British accountant on the Kowloon Railway, recently convicted of embezzlement, was employed; and, if not known, whether he will have inquiry made and the person identified, with a view to holding him, if in the service of the Crown Agents, answerable for the loss caused by his nominee?

Colonel SEELY

The person referred to was employed on the Chinese section of the railway. I do not know on whose recommendation he was employed, and the matter is not one which concerns either the Crown Agents or the Colonial Office.

Mr. GINNELL

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies whether the Colonial Office has given its approval to the present proposals for working the new Kowloon Railway, including a provision of 100,000 dollars for traffic expenses, an expected revenue of 20,000 dollars, and a traffic manager with £2,000 a year for salary and allowances; and if he will state on whose recommendation this latter appointment has been made; and with what staff and what amount of salaries this railway, 20 miles long, is to be provided?

Colonel SEELY

The proposals for working the line have not yet been submitted to the Secretary of State.