§ 11. Mr. GILBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade why the light railway between Basingstoke and Alton has recently been taken up; if it has been removed with the rolling stock to one of the military fronts, where it has not been used; and, if so, can he have it replaced, as it was a convenience to the inhabitants of these districts?
§ The UNDERSECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. This railway was taken up to provide material for overseas requirements, but I am afraid it would be difficult to 686 ascertain where the track is now being used. No rolling stock special to the Basingstoke and Alton Railway has been sent overseas. I understand from my right hon. Friend that it will not be possible to replace this railway during the War.