§ MR. CREMER (Shoreditch, Haggerston)asked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether he can explain the delay which has taken place in the commencement of the Paddington and Lime-house Railway, the South Eastern Rail-way extension in Southwark and Bermondsey; and, whether, taking into consideration the serious loss entailed by suspense and uncertainty upon the shopkeepers and owners and occupiers of property in the scheduled area, and the great amount of unemployed labour in the Metropolis, he can take any steps to expedite the commencement of the works referred to?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. MUNDELLA) (Sheffield, Brightside)I have no information with regard to the Question put to me by the hon. Member, as the 18 Board of Trade has no power to act in the matter. I may add that the time limited for the completion of the works in question is fixed by special Act of Parliament in each case, and in the event of that being overstepped they would be liable to a penalty of the loss of deposit. I have forwarded a copy of the hon. Member's Question to the respective Railway Companies.