§ (5.30.) MR. A. J. BALFOURI have to move for leave to bring in a Bill to authorise the transfer of the powers of promoters of Railway and Tramway Undertakings, under the Tramways (Ireland) Acts, to certain existing Railway Companies; and for other purposes. Perhaps I may be allowed one word of explanation in regard to it. The Bill is a very small one, but it is required to effect certain technical alterations in the Railway Act of 1889. Under that Act both persons and Railway Companies had a right to promote railways and to obtain presentments, and a certain number of individuals surveyed lines and obtained the necessary presentments. But the policy of the Government of the House has been to induce Railway Companies to become responsible for the working of the lines, and the whole object of this Bill is to enable the powers under presentments 155 obtained by individuals to be transferred to the Railway Companies. The measure is of great importance in view of the existing, or approaching, distress in parts of Ireland, because, if carried, it will enable the Kerry line to be proceeded with at once, and will be useful also in other parts of the country.
Bill to authorise the transfer of the powers of promoters of Railway and Tramways Undertakings, under the Tramways (Ireland) Acts, to certain existing Railway Companies; and for other purposes, ordered to be brought in by Mr. Arthur Balfour and Mr. Jackson.Bill presented, and read first time. [Bill 113.]