§ On the Order for the consideration of the Clontarf and Hill of Howth Tramroad Bill, as amended.
§ DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire,. W.)Thursday!
§ MR. SPEAKERThursday.
§ MR. VESEY KNOX (Londonderry)On the question of this Bill standing over till Thursday I would point out that it is very necessary that the Bill should pass as soon as possible. The proposal in the interests of which I believe the progress of the Bill is delayed is of so extraordinary a character that I venture, as one concerned in the Bill—that is, as an Irish Member—to protest very strongly against the progress of the Bill being delayed on account of such a proposal. That proposal is actually this: there is an English association of manufacturers who make railway and tramway carriages. There is no private person making railway or tramway carriages in Ireland, but the Dublin United Tramway Company do make in the city of Dublin tramway carriages. The proposal on which this Bill is delayed is that the Dublin undertaking shall be prohibited from supplying carriages to any new tramway outside the city of Dublin, in order that such tramway company outside the city of Dublin may be compelled to go to the English association of tramway carriage manufacturers. Now, I do protest, in the interests of public business in this House, that it is almost a discreditable thing that such a proposal can be brought forward in this House of Commons. This proposal is one which is brought forward solely in the interests of the association of English manufacturers, and entirely against the interests of the public. As a matter of fact, on this occasion I am authorised by the promoters to say that under no circumstances will they get their tramcars from any member of the British association, and if they are to be prevented by Parliament from getting their cars in the cheapest and nearest market, which is Dublin, they will go to America, and get them there. The House will see, 65 therefore, that it is most futile for the association to attempt to impose these conditions upon this company, and I again venture to enter my very strong protest against the progress of this Bill being delayed in any way, in order to give any further consideration to so extraordinary a proposal.
§ Deferred till Thursday.