HC Deb 26 April 1926 vol 194 cc1664-5
79. Lieut.-Colonel WINDSOR-CLIVE

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has received a copy of a resolution passed by the Bishop's Castle Borough Council on 6th April, urging that the Great Western Railway Company should acquire the Bishop's Castle Railway; and what steps he proposes to take

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Colonel Ashley)

I have received a copy of the resolution to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. The question whether legislation authorising the acquisition of the Bishop's Castle Railway by another railway company should be promoted is one for the parties themselves to consider, and I am calling the attention of the railway companies concerned to the suggestion made by the Bishop's Castle Council.

Lieut.-Colonel WINDSOR- CLIVE

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentle man, in order to induce the Great Western Railway to take over this line, he prepared to give some assistance to the project for extending the Bishop's Castle Railway to Montgomery?

Colonel ASHLEY

I will consider that flatter.

An HON. MEMBER

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the Great Western Railway Company have already intimated their willingness to take over this concern, on condition that the Government co-operate financially?

Colonel ASHLEY

I do not think that in these days of financial stringency we could give a promise of financial cooperation in every undertaking.