MR. W. F. D. SMITHI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state what progress is being made in the liquidation of the affairs of the Irish Exhibition; and why so long a delay has taken place?
§ MR. BRYCEThe liquidation is not under the control of the Board of Trade, being conducted under the Companies' Act of 1862. But from returns made by the Liquidator to the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies, under Section 15 of the Winding-up Act of 1890, it appears that total assets have been realised since 1889 amounting to £2,988, of which £1,459 has been disbursed mainly for costs. There remained an undistributed balance at 30th September last of £l,528, subject to further claims for costs. The reasons for the delay in dealing with this balance are stated by the Liquidator to be "questions pending as to the right of persons claiming to amend the chief clerk's list of debts and claims."