§ 57. Mr. ROYCEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture how many county councils in England and Wales have submitted proposals for light railways; the mileage and estimated cost of such scheme; and the present position as regards construction?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD Of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)Proposals for the construction of light railways in agricultural districts have been received from nineteen county councils and agricultural executive committees. The total mileage of the routes suggested is, approximately, 968. No estimates of the cost of these schemes have been made by the Board. Such estimates will be drawn up by the Ministry of Transport in respect of any schemes which the Government propose to adopt. So far as I am aware, no construction work has actually been begun.
§ Major E. WOODBefore any of these schemes are finally accepted by whatever Department is finally responsible, will it be necessary for them to show that they can be made self-supporting?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI think that question ought to be addressed to the Minister 797 of Transport. I believe the answer is in the negative. One question would be considered as to what advantage the scheme would confer on the neighbourhood.