§ MR. HOLMSasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is intended to connect the Dockyard and Government Establishments at Chatham with the Railway system of the Country; and, if so, when it is likely that the necessary steps for this purpose will be taken?
§ MR. GOSCHEN, in reply, said, that it was intended to connect the Dockyard at Chatham with the railway system of the country. There had been an agreement with the London, Chatham, and Dover 782 Railway Company to make a branch line to the Dockyard at Chatham, and three years were given for that purpose. Owing to the difficulties in which that Company found itself in regard to undertaking any new works, the arrangement fell through. Since then various negotiations had been conducted with different promoters, but no resolution had been arrived at. The attention of the Admiralty had, however, been directed to the subject.