§ MR. GILHOOLY (Cork, W.)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether it is a fact that the line of tramway between Schull and Skibbereen has become a complete failure, owing to the manner in which it has been constructed; and, 53 whether, considering the fact that a Government Engineer has certified that the line has been properly made, the Treasury will come to the relief of the ratepayers, who are liable for the money advanced for the promotion of the scheme?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Baron HENRY DE WORMS) (Liverpool, East Toxteth)(who replied) said: An Inspecting Officer of the Board of Trade reported that the Schull and Skibbereen Tramway and Light Railway was fit for public traffic; and in September last a certificate to this effect was issued, the speed of trains being limited to a low rate over certain parts of the line. It is now understood that the traffic has been stopped, owing to the failure of the engines employed. But, in consequence of representations made by 20 ratepayers of the district to the Board of Trade, orders have been given that an inquiry shall be hold, at an early date, under the provisions of the 45th section of the Order in Council, which authorized the construction of the tramway.