§ 54. Mr. MACPHERSONasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the Government sanctioned and supported the Dingwall and Cromarty Light Railway before the War; that on four and a half mites of it the rails were laid 34 down; that these rails were taken by the Government for war purposes; and that all construction of the railway was stopped; and will he now, in view of the unemployment in the district and of the great advantage that this railway would prove to the industrial community, grant the necessary facilities to proceed with the work?
§ Major BARNSTON (Comptroller of the Household)I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Minister of Transport. My hon. Friend is aware that this project was sanctioned and the work started before the War. During the War the permanent way materials were required for military purposes, but, as the right hon. Member has already been informed, the company were reimbursed for this material and for the cost of relaying. The conditions which it would be necessary to fulfil before the Government could consider the question of increasing its contribution have already been communicated to the promoters, but, so far as my hon. Friend is aware, the local financial support necessary before any grant could be considered is not as yet forthcoming.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI give notice that I shall raise this question on the Motion for Adjournment.