§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware that it has not been found possible to secure the construction of light railways in the poorer districts of the Highland crofting counties under The Light Railways Act, 1890; and will he consider the expediency of introducing legislation, such as will give the Treasury wider powers than are now allowable under section five of the Act when dealing with light railway schemes promoted in the crofting counties.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF the BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR.) Leeds, CentralNo, Sir; I am not satisfied as to the necessity of any amendment of the Light Railways Act in the 719 direction suggested. I may add that four lines in the districts in question have already been authorised by Light Railway Orders, and that a fifth Order has recently been submitted to the Board of Trade for confirmation. One at least of the authorised lines is in a forward state of construction. Free grants have been poromised by the Treasury—subject to the usual conditions—in the case of four out of the five lines, amounting in all to £91,000.