25 and 20. Mr. W. M. ADAMSONasked the Minister of Transport (1) whether he can now state his reason for refusing the Cannock Chase Collieries Light Railway Order, in view of the need of further facilities for rail transport to deal with approximately 6,000,000 tons of coal per year from this area;
(2) whether he consulted the Secretary for Mines prior to refusing his sanction for the Cannock Chase Collieries Light Railway Order?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe Mines Department was not consulted in the matter. My decision was based on the consideration of the Report of the public Inquiry held at Wolverhampton on the 15th, 16th and 17th March last, in the course of which evidence was given both for and against this application. My conclusion was that a sufficient case had not been made out to justify me in granting the Order.
Mr. ADAMSONIs not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the only opposition to this Measure was from a competing railway company, which has not yet carried out Orders it has had in hand for many years?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI cannot agree with the view put forward by the hon. Member in his Supplementary Question. After very careful consideration, I felt that I could not take upon myself the responsibility of making that Order. As the hon. Member knows, if the promoters wish to proceed with the matter, it is open to them to proceed by Private Bill in Parliament.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMeanwhile, all these people will be out of work.