HC Deb 27 May 1897 vol 49 c1415
MR. FIELD

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether he can state who is the owner of the derelict Portumna Railway; (2) what are the financial responsibilities attached thereto; and (3) whether the Government intend to aid in having the line put into working order?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

In answer to the first paragraph, the Board of Works are mortgagees in possession of this line of railway. The second paragraph is obscure and I cannot answer it. As regards the third paragraph, I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member's previous similar inquiry of the 29th March last.

MR. KILBRIDE

asked if the right hon. Gentleman could say what became of the metal and iron of the permanent way of this railway—who removed it?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I believe a good portion of it was stolen. [Loud laughter.]