§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that the Vor-Taveta railway in East Africa is to be pulled up to save cost of upkeep to the British taxpayer, he will continue the policy of economy in railway development by ensuring that all new railway construction be carried out by the cheapest system, whether departmental or private enterprise, and that comparative tenders shall be invariably obtained in connection with scuh construction?
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§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREWhen Departmental Estimates of the cost of construction of a new railway are received it may well be considered desirable to secure comparative information by inviting tenders for construction by contract. While I can assure my hon. Friend that his suggestion will be carefully borne in mind, I am not prepared to undertake that tenders shall invariably be invited. Every case will be considered on its merits.