§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether in view of the fact that by the Highland Railway Company (New Lines) Act, 1890, five years were allowed for the construction of five new lines of railway, two of which, numbered 2 and 5, were not completed within the specified time, he will state whether a certificate has been given by the Board of Trade showing that the company was prevented from completing or opening such lines by unforeseen accidents or circumstances beyond their control; and will he state the date of such certificate, the reason assigned by the Highland Railway Company for the delay, and the grounds for seeking an extension of four years to complete a short railway of only two miles in length?
§ MR. RITCHIENo certificate has been, given by the Board of Trade.
§ MR. WEIRMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to state the ground for permitting the company to exceed the time allowed?
§ MR. RITCHIEI have no information on the point.
§ MR. RITCHIEIt is not my duty to inquire. If the companies do not fulfil their obligations, the landowers may bring actions against them if they choose to do so.