§ MR. W. H. JAMESasked the President of the Board of Trade, If he can state why the line between Deal and Dover has not been opened, although for many months past its construction has been nearly complete; if he can state the latest date for the completion of the line; and, whether, in the event of its not being then opened, the penalties will be put in force?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAINI have not received any information which will enable me to say why the line has not been opened. The Companies have to send a month's notice of their intention to open the line, and a second notice of 10 days of the fact that it is ready for inspection. We received the first notice from the two Companies concerned in November; we have not yet received the second notice. The last day for the completion of the line is May 23. If the Companies fail to have it ready by that date they will jointly and severally incur a penalty of £50 for every day during which the line is not open; but it would be a matter for consideration at the time whether the penalties would be enforced.