32. Mr. W. M. ADAMSONasked the Minister of Transport what Orders have been granted to the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company in connection with the Cannock Light Railway development for transport of coal; when the Order was originally made; how often it has been necessary to renew it; and what developments have taken place within the past 10 years to meet the expanding increase of coal output?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAs the reply is rather long, perhaps the hon. Member will permit me to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ The London and North Western Railway Company, one of the constituent companies of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company, obtained in 1913 an Order for the transfer, with modifications, to them of the powers for a light railway granted previously to an independent company by Acts of Parliament of 1901 and 1903 and Orders of 1907 and 1910. Between 1916 and 1921 the powers were extended from year to year by five Orders made under the Special Acts (Extension of Time) Act, 1915. A further Order was granted to the London and North Western Railway Company in 1921 for alterations in the scheme and for an extension of time, and a further extension of time Order was granted to the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company in 1924. In 1926, the latter company again applied for an extension of time Order in respect of that part of the railway, 2¾ miles in length, which had not been constructed, the remaining 3½ miles of railway having been completed and opened for traffic. This application was not granted. I understand that the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company have made, and are at present making, improvements in the facilities provided at certain marshalling and exchange sidings in the area, and I am sending to the hon. Member a copy of a letter I have recently received from the company in the matter.