§ MR. T. E. ELLIS (Merionethshire)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Mawddwy Railway Company has issued a notice to suspend the whole traffic for an indefinite time, on the allegation that extensive repairs are required; whether he is aware that this suspension will cause the stoppage of four slate quarries, and throw a considerable number of men out of employment; and whether he will inquire whether the repairs are such as to necessitate this serious loss to the locality?
§ * SIR M. HICKS BEACHI have been in communication with the Railway Company since notice of the hon. Member's question has appeared. I am informed that the stoppage is brought about in consequence of the unsafe condition of the Cemmes River bridge, that the Company have no funds out of which to pay for the necessary repairs, and that the only way of meeting the expenditure is by loan, to be repaid by a special rate of 1s. 3d. a ton. It is not obligatory on traders to agree to such special rate, nor is it obligatory on the Company to continue to work the line.