§ Sir P. DAWSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the Indian Railway Board has authorised the construction by the South Indian Railway Company of a line from Villupuram to Trichinopoly; and whether, seeing that this proposed line would deprive the British port of Cuddalore of the carrying trade of the South Arcot district in favour of the French port of Pondicherry, he will make representations in this sense to the Indian Railway Board?
§ Mr. RICHARDSThe construction by the South Indian Railway Company of a line from Villupuram to Trichinopoly was sanctioned in 1923. I am not aware that the alignment selected would necessarily have the prejudicial effect, indicated by the hon. Member, on the trade of the port of Cuddalore; but my Noble Friend will have an inquiry addressed to the Government of India on the matter.