§ 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 Limehouse Railway, the South Eastern Railway 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 SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. C. T. D. ACLAND) (Cornwall, Launceston)(who replied) said: Sir, the Board of Trade have no special knowledge with regard to the Question put by the hon. Member. The Companies are bound by their Acts to complete their undertakings within a specified time, and in the event of their failing to do so the deposit which, in the case of a Company not paying interest on its ordinary share capital, is required to be made with the Court of Chancery on the application for the Bill is liable to forfeiture. In the case of an existing Company paying interest on its ordinary share capital, the Company is liable to a penalty of £50 a-day. In the event of loss or inconvenience being sustained by non-fulfilment on the part of the Companies of their duties in these respects, it will be a matter for grave consideration whether the penalties provided by the Act should not be enforced.