HC Deb 19 March 1894 vol 22 cc567-8
MR. M'GILLIGAN (Fermanagh, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the ratepayers of the district through which the Clogher Valley Tramway runs, in County Fermanagh, strongly opposed its construction, fearing it would not prove a remunerative undertaking; and whether, since their anticipations have been realised, and they in consequence suffer a large pecuniary loss by reason of the baronial guarantee, any steps are likely to be taken to relieve them of the heavy tax imposed under "The Tramways (Ireland) Act, 1883"?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. T. HIBBERT,) Oldham

I am not aware of the circumstances stated in the first paragraph. I know of no method by which the burden on the ratepayers could be reduced except by a commutation, in some form, of the Treasury contribution to the guarantee. This would require legislation, and I am considering whether it would be possible to introduce a short Bill on the subject with a sufficient prospect of passing it into law.