asked the Secretary of State for India the present mileage of the Bengal and North-Western Railway and the date on which the contract with the present company terminates; and whether any decision has been arrived at by the Government of India in regard to the future ownership and management of this railway?

The total route mileage open on the Bengal and North-Western Railway (excluding the Tirhoot line) on 30th September, 1929, was 1,267. The contract with the company will terminate on 31st December, 1981, unless the Secretary of State exercises his option to purchase the railway on 31st December, 1932. On this latter point no decision has yet been taken.