Captain TUDOR-REESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport who are the promoters of the proposed Torrington-Hallwill Railway; who invited tenders for the work; to whom were they sent; how many contractors were asked to tender, and what are their names; what is the date of the tenders; whether costs of material and wages have considerably diminished since that date; and whether he will represent to the promoters the desirability of obtaining fresh and a larger number of tenders before his Ministry sanctions the loan which the Government propose to make?
§ Mr. NEALThe promoters are the North Devon and Cornwall. Junction Light Railway Company, incorporated by the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway Order, 1914. The responsibility for inviting tenders and placing the contract lies with the company, who must, however, satisfy the Government that the contract is fair and reasonable. I am informed that tenders were invited from three firms of good standing. The commencement of the work at an early date is urgent, as it is intended to relieve unemployment. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.