MR. FIELDI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Government will pay out of the money they still hold of the grant to the Midland Great Western of Ireland Railway Company, as contractors for the Galway and Clifden extensions, the wages due to staff, carmen, and others; whether he is aware that, some time since, the Chairman of the Midland Great Western of Ireland Railway Company promised to pay the aforesaid claims out of the retention money; and whether any similar case has occurred in England, Scotland, or Wales?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTI am afraid that I can only refer to the answer which I gave to a similar question on the 12th instant. Any dispute between the Company, its contractors, and the men employed seems to be capable of settlement by the ordinary legal means, and, though I should be glad to promote a settlement if I had the power, the Government has no locus standi in the matter. I have no information with reference to paragraphs 2 and 3 of the question.
MR. FIELDMay these men hope the Government will endeavour to exert some influence over the Company?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTWe should be glad to if possible.