§ MR. COXasked the Secretary to the Treasury, If his attention has been directed to the following Resolution adopted by the County Clare Grand Jury:—
Resolved, That the Grand Jury, in the interest of the ratepayers, regret very much the delay that has taken place in the withholding of the loan of £50,000 by the Treasury towards the making of the West Clare Railway, and most earnestly urge that the Board of Works will take the necessary steps to facilitate the loan to enable the contractor to complete the line, and which loan has been practically sanctioned by the Treasury for a considerable time. Every requirement of the Board of Works has been complied with, and their inspector satisfied with the work executed. The ratepayers are enduring great hardships in having to pay the whole interest on the money expended, amounting to £1,600, as the Treasury does not become contributory until the completion of the line; and, in consequence of the contractor, from want of funds, having had to nearly cease work, and much distress amongst the labourers of the district has resulted, we consider the matter should meet no further delay;and, whether he will hasten the completion of the loan, as recently promised?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. HENRY H. FOWLER)My attention has been called to the Resolution referred to. I cannot admit that the wording of the Resolution accurately represents the position of the Treasury with regard to the loan applied for by the West Clare Railway. The conditions 16 laid down by the Treasury for the advance of the loan have not yet been entirely satisfied; but everything that we can do shall be done to hasten the settlement of the matter.