HC Deb 16 June 1890 vol 345 cc1019-20
MR. FOLEY (Galway, Connemara)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether any money, and, if so, how much, has been expended in Ireland up to the present time in pursuance of the policy of the Government, announced by the Member for South Paddington, when Chancellor of the Exchequer and Leader of the House in 1886, and of the Report of the Royal Commission on Irish Public Works which was made the same year; and whether the Treasury are committed to any expenditure in pursuance of the recommendations of the Royal Commission; and, if so, to what extent and on what works, and when are the works likely to be commenced, and if the construction of the line from Galway to Clifden is included in any such expenditure?

MR. JACKSON

It would not be possible for me to give a precise answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question. Such information could only be given after very careful inquiry, in answer to specific heads of inquiry. I presume, however, that the hon. Member desires to know whether a railway from Galway to Clifden is to be made. I am not able to answer this question at present, beyond saying that such a line is within the list of those scheduled by the Government, and I hope it may be found possible to make satisfactory arrangements for the making and working of such a line.

MR. T. M. HEALY

I do appeal to the right hon. Gentleman to give some exact answer to the question. These questions are put down day after day, and we are unable to extract any answer from the Government. Surely it is possible to say how many millions of money have been spent upon public works since that celebrated declaration of policy.

DR. KENNY (Tyrone, Mid)

Has a single shilling been spent on works?

MR. JACKSON

It is not possible for me to give any accurate information on such short notice on a question of this kind. There might be a difference of opinion as to whether certain expenses are in pursuance of the policy of the Government announced in 1886. I am perfectly willing to give any information that I can if the hon. Member will put his question in a form which can be answered.

DE. KENNY

Has any money at all been expended? That is a specific question.

MR. JACKSON

Yes; I certainly can say that some money has been expended in connection with the preparation of certain schemes for drainage in Ireland. The Bills were introduced last Session, but the Government were unable to pass them.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)

Has there not been an expenditure on the drainage of the Suck?

MR. JACKSON

A Bill has been passed authorising the expenditure of a contribution of £50,000.