HC Deb 26 March 1897 vol 47 cc1431-2
MR. J. P. FARRELL (Cavan, W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury (1) whether he is aware that, in consequence of the high prices of the Cavan and Leitrim Railway stock, it has been found impossible to avail of the provisions of the Tramways (Ireland) Act, 1895; and (2) whether, in view of the very heavy burden put upon the ratepayers of the poorest district in county Cavan to find the money which pays the guaranteed dividend, he will advise the Treasury to make a grant in aid so as to relieve their liability for previous Government contribution?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. R. W. HANBURY,) Preston

As I said in reply to the hon. Member's Question on the 4th February, it has been found impossible to adopt these provisions with advantage to the ratepayers and shareholders. I do not understand the second paragraph. Instead of throwing burdens on the Cavan ratepayers, the Government has assisted them by refunding two per cent. of their guarantee on £47,000, and has also relieved them of a further charge of £96 a year by the cancellation of shares in a manner which I explained in my answer to the hon. Member for South Leitrim on the 20th July last. The Treasury has no funds at its disposal out of which any further assistance could be given.

MR. J. P. FARRELL

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can hold out any hopes whatever of Government assistance for the construction of the three short lines of railways projected last year in county Cavan, concerning which memorials were laid before him?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I am afraid the Government can hold out no hope that they will be able to assist the construction of these lines out of the moneys provided by the Act of last year.