§ Mr. CLOUGHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that section 12 of The West Riding Tramways Act, 1904, imposed upon the promoters of the West Riding Tramways scheme the duty to widen Front Street, in the borough of Pontefract, by acquiring, and then demolishing, certain specified cottage property, and also stipulated that the tramway should not be opened for public traffic until that widening had been completed; and will he explain why the tramways have been allowed to be opened for public traffic, seeing that the conditions for widening, as laid down by section 12, have not been carried out?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am aware of the provision in question, and when the lines in Front-street were first submitted for inspection the Board of Trade declined to approve their use for passenger traffic. Having regard, however, to the strong views expressed by the Corporation of Pontefract in favour of the lines being opened, the Board subsequently agreed to withdraw their objection, without prejudice to the obligations imposed by the Act, but subject to some slight alterations being made and to the observance of certain requirements; as to speed and stopping places. The place has been recently revisited on behalf of the Board of Trade, and they are advised that provided these requirements are observed no danger need be apprehended.