Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Labour whether a sum of money has been granted by the Government in connection with the Torrington and Halwill Light Railway scheme; whether contracts have been entered into for the supply of materials; and, if so, at what date it is anticipated that a start can be made on this railway?
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§ Mr. NEALI have been asked to reply to this question. The North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway Company has been informed that the Government are prepared, subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, to contribute a sum not exceeding £125,000 towards the cost of the construction of the Torring-ton-Halwill Light Railway. I understand that the company hopes to execute a contract for the works in the course of this month, and that the contractors will be able to start work on the railway immediately thereafter, if the conditions above-mentioned have been complied with in the meantime.