§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state to the House if any relief has been afforded to the taxpayers of West Cavan by the operation of the Tramways Amendment Act passed in 1895; whether the Board of Works or the Treasury have received the last report of the auditors of this line; and, whether, as the guarantee 1493 given will soon expire, it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to afford relief to the cesspayers by releasing them from the guarantee.
§ MR. HANBURYThe Treasury more than three years ago expressed its readiness to commute, under the Act of 1895 referred to, its liability upon the Cavan, Leitrim, and Roscommon line; but we have heard nothing on the subject since then from the company or from the county. Relief has, however, been given to the ratepayers by the cancellation of shares amounting to £13,690 upon redemption of the Government Loan in 1896; and I understand that further relief will be given under Section 58 (4) of the Local Government Act, 1898. We have the audited accounts to 1st November last. The guarantee is perpetual, not terminable.