§ MAJOR WALKERsaid, in the absence of his hon. Friend (Sir Henry Selwin-Ibbetson), he wished to ask the President of the Board of Trade, Whether he has been able to lay upon the Table of the House the replies, he promised, from the different Railway Companies to his Circular; and if not, whether he will lay them upon the Table of the House before the end of the Session?
MR. BRIGHTSir, the replies to the Circular which has been sent out by the Board of Trade are not all received, and are consequently at present imperfect. In the case of one of the most important railways, the London and North-Western Company, the Board of 1373 Trade has, with the consent of the company, directed an. inquiry into a modification of the block system which they have proposed, and which, if it be approved of, they propose also to extend. Under these circumstances, as the Report will be so incorrect and incomplete if presented at the present time, it is thought better to delay laying the answers on the table of the House until the opening of next Session.