§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that under Section 23 of the Metropolitan Railway Company Act of the 2nd August, 1898, the Railway Company is enjoined either to adopt a system of electric traction or to arrange artificial means of ventilating the railway otherwise than by openings within a period of three years from the passing of the Act; and will he ascertain what steps the company have taken with a view to carry out these conditions, and will he consider the expediency of enforcing them.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURNo, Sir, that is not quite the effect of the section referred to. It is, however, I think, common knowledge that the company-are taking active steps to select a satisfactory form of electric traction.
§ MR. WEIRHave not this company had three years in which to provide electric traction or to arrange artificial means of ventilation?
§ [No answer was given.]