§ Dr. R. AMBROSE (Mayo, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury what is the present condition of the railway that is being constructed between Westport, County Mayo, and Achill Sound; is he aware that the works have been stopped for some months, and can he state from what cause; what were the terms of the original agreement on which the line was to be made; and has this agreement been adhered to; and, if not, will he explain way?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTThat part of the line which lies between Westport and Mallaranny is being constructed under an agreement with the Midland Great Western Railway Company, which company has loyally carried out all the agreements made with it under the Light Railways Act. The company has given notice of its intention to apply forthwith to the Board of Trade for authority to open the section between Westport and Newport. The portion between Mallaranny and Achill was commenced as a relief work, and, as I have previously stated, the heads of an agreement hive been lately arrived at with the Midland Great Western Railway Company for its future working and maintenance, which will be reduced to formal shape as soon as certain details of plans, &c., are finally settled, and the works will then be completed as quickly as possible.
§ MR. DILLON (Mayo, E.)When may the work on the Mallaranny branch be expected to be commenced? I am informed that no work is proceeding on that portion of the line, although this is 82 a time of year when wages are badly needed in that part of Ireland. I am informed, too, that more work is required on the other branch before it can be opened.
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTwas understood to reply that matters were being pushed forward as rapidly as possible.