HC Deb 27 May 1897 vol 49 c1423
MR. DALY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Mersey Docks Bill, which is to be read a Third time on Thursday, will seriously interfere with the shipment of cattle from Ireland to Liverpool; and whether he will take steps to prevent injury to one of the remaining industries of Ireland?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I know of nothing in this case which would justify the Irish Government in taking the very unusual course of opposing an English private Bill.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether, as this Bill was postponed for nearly a month, he would take the trouble to inform himself of the opinion of the ship-owners and those interested in the cattle trade of Ireland; and whether, if he found that the Bill would be detrimental to both, he would use his influence to prevent the passing of the Bill?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I cannot undertake to take action on such inquiry, and it has been ruled already, I believe, that the shipowners have no locus standi in the matter.