§ Mr. CURRANasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the British Electric Traction Company has violated an agreement entered into with the Jarrow Town Council in 1901 regarding the construction of light railways by neglecting to complete the contract in the specified time; and whether he will take steps to enforce the fulfilment of the agreement as far as possible by having the contract completed without further delay?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am not aware of an agreement between the Company and the Council such as that referred to by the hon. Member, and if such an agreement exists its enforcement would not seem to rest with the Board of Trade. After careful consideration of all the circumstances of the case the Board have recently granted an extension for two years of the period for completion of the Company's lines, but I am advised that they have no power to compel the Company to complete the unconstructed portion of their undertaking.
§ Mr. CURRANIs that the second extension that the Company has got?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI cannot answer that without notice.