§ Mr. HINDSasked the Minister of Transport whether any scheme of construction of light railways has been approved in England and Wales by the Departments concerned; if so, in what counties they are situated; what is the probable contribution by the State in each case; and whether local bodies in the counties concerned have undertaken to make any contribution; and, if so, to what extent in each case?
§ Sir E. GEDDESA large number of such schemes have been considered, but none has yet been approved. I am, therefore, not in a position to give the hon. Member the particulars for which he asks. I am, however, in communication with the promoters and local interests in regard to certain of the more promising cases, with a view to ascertaining the extent of the financial support which the schemes will attract locally, as upon this factor any question of assistance from public funds must largely depend. I am not prepared to recommend State finance for lean schemes unless local interests are prepared to adequately support them themselves.