§ MR. PULESTON (for Mr. LEWIS)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government, having regard to the strong feeling displayed by the representatives of all classes, political and commercial, in Ireland, to press the confirmation of the contract with the London and North Western Railway Company?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)In reply to the hon. Member, I have to say that it will be our duty to lay the contract on the Table when it is settled and sealed, together with the Parliamentary Papers which we have undertaken to produce in connection with the matter. It is not my duty to say more until these documents are on the Table.
§ MR. GIBSONHas any arrangement been made by the right hon. Gentleman or by the Prime Minister, on behalf of the Government, for receiving the deputation from both Houses of Parliament on this subject?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)Yes, Sir; I have conferred with the Prime Minister, who has consented to be present with myself when the deputations are received; but we can only receive one deputation, and I have so informed the parties to-day.
§ MR. GIBSONHave arrangements been made which will enable the deputation to be a sufficiently large one?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. CHILDERS)The deputation may be as large as the numbers that can come into my room. I hope they will be moderate in this respect. Their importance depends not upon their numbers, but upon the interests they represent.