§ Sir GEORGE YOUNGERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway has been closed since 31st October, contrary to the wishes of the inhabitants; whether the Government has taken or proposes to take any action to secure its re-opening; and whether there is any precedent for the situation which has arisen?
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Mr. BUXTONI am aware that this railway was closed on the date mentioned, after lengthy but unsuccessful negotiations for the sale of the line to the North British Railway Company. The Board of Trade assisted in these negotiations so far as was practicable and would be prepared to continue to give such assistance should an opportunity offer, but they have no statutory power to require the railway to be re-opened. Other railways which have proved financially unsuccessful have been closed and in some cases have subsequently been re-opened for traffic.