§ MR. HARRIS (Galway, E.)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether the Parsonstown and Portumna Bridge Railway is now derelict; that everything removable and of value is being taken away, such as timber, cut stone, iron rails, &c.; and, whether the Government Loan Commissioners had charge of it for five years, and at the expiration of that time they removed the five caretakers engaged in its protection, and allowed the station house, sheds, and rails to be made objects of plunder; and, if so, will the Government do anything to protect all that remains of the property, with a view to its future utilisation?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)The hon. Member's information as to the present state of this 168 unfortunate line is, no doubt, more complete than mine. The Loan Commissioners held it as mortgagees in possession for five years, and during that time preserved it from dilapidation in the hope of obtaining a purchaser; but, in 1883, failing all their attempts at selling it, they withdrew from possession. They do not consider themselves justified in spending any money upon it unless in some reasonable hope of a return. May I suggest that the hon. Member should help us to some arrangement for taking up and working the undertaking.
§ MR. HARRISDo I understand the hon. Gentleman to say that the railway is to be left there derelict without anybody taking care of it?
§ MR. JACKSONI am afraid, if we can find no purchaser, there is no other means of disposing of it.