§ 90. Sir GEORGE YOUNGERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it has been brought to his notice that it is intended by the Invergarry Railway Company to tear up the line and realise the rails and other available assets; whether the Board of Trade is prepared to intervene, in the interest of the ratepayers and other residents in the Highlands to whom this railway has been of great advantage; and whether any petitions have been received from the county council of Inverness; and, if so, whether the Board of Trade has decided to take any action upon them?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. J. M. Robertson)As I think the hon. Baronet is aware, the Board of Trade have for the past two years been in communication, both by letters and interviews, with the Invergarry Company, the North British Company, and various individuals and bodies (including the County Council of Inverness) who are interested in the matter with the view of arriving at some arrangement for the continuance of the working of the railway. I regret that these efforts have not been successful, and I should be glad to do anything in my power to secure the reopening of the line, but I greatly fear that the Board of Trade have exhausted their good offices in the matter.
§ Sir G. YOUNGERIf that be so, is it not possible in some sort of way to work it as a light railway, as it is most important for the neighbourhood that this railway should not be closed up?
§ Mr. ROBERTSONThat suggestion is now made for the first time. It will be very carefully considered.