§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN (Birmingham, W.)I bag to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is now ready to state the arrangements of the Government with regard to railway extension in the crofter districts of Scotland?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI am sorry that I am not yet in a position to make any definite announcement. We are in negotiation for the construction of a line of railway, and the Government are prepared to recommend that very substantial assistance should be given if adequate security can be obtained for its construction, working, and maintenance by a responsible company. I shall probably be able to say something definite in the course of next week.
§ DR. CLARK (Caithness)May I ask the right hon. Gentleman where this line is?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHI am not in a position to give any further information.
DR. R. M'DONALD (Ross and Cromarty)Will the House have an opportunity of discussing the matter?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHWe feel the importance of the subject, and, as the hon. Gentleman is aware, any undertaking the Government give must, to be effective, have the ratification of the 690 House. We must ask the House to approve our recommendation before it can become effective.