§ MR. MAHONY (Mcath, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether Mr. Barton reported to the Board of Works his reason for selecting Mr. Price's line, as regards which he had to suggest considerable alterations in the curves and gradients, in preference to a line promoted by an Englishman, which followed the same route, but required no alteration in curves and gradients; and whether the Commission appointed by the present Government to inquire into Schemes for Light Railways in congested districts, and presided over by Sir James Allport, is still in existence; and, if so, why matters relating to Light Railways have boon referred to gentlemen appointed by the Board of Works, instead of being referred to that Commission? I have further to ask whether, in view of the fact that the rejected line of light railway in Galway, known as the Coast Line, would pass through the most populous, poorest, and most congested districts in the county; whereas the line selected by Mr. Barton passes through an almost uninhabited and barren district between Oughterard and Clifden, his attention has been called to the fact that Mr. George Morris, a member of the Local Government Board, and a gentleman of considerable local knowledge, and Mr. C. T. Rodington, a Deputy Lieutenant of the County, and the Chairman of a Commission for the relief of distress in the congested districts in 1886, gave evidence in favour of the Coast Line?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON,) Leeds, N.(1) The Commissioners of Inquiry, namely—Sir John Bull Greene, Mr. Barton, Mr. Rourke, and Mr. Cotton, were unanimous in reporting in favour of the Galway and Clifden viâ Oughterand Railway, and gave their reasons for preferring it. (2) As regards the latter part of the question I would point out that by the Tramways (Ireland) Act, 18G0, and the Light Railways Act, 1889, the duty of reporting on schemes submitted to Grand Juries, is imposed upon the Board of Works. (3) I believe that the two gentlemen named did give evidence in the direction indicated.
§ In reply to a further question by Mr MAHONY,
§ MR. JACKSONsaid: While negotiations are going on I must ask hon. Members to defer further questions.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYWill an opportunity be afforded to the House of discussing the matter before a final decision is arrived at?
§ MR. JACKSONI am unable to promise that.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYThen what are we to gain by postponing our questions?
§ MR. JACKSONThat is another question I am unable to answer.