MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, with reference to a letter addressed by the Irish Board of Works to the Limerick Harbour Board, warning that body not to incur any expense in connection with the opposition to the Great Southern and Western Railway Companies Amalgamation Bill now before Parliament without the consent of the Board of Works, whether he is aware that the promoters of the Amalgamation Bill have been circu- 45 lating a report that the Board of Works is in favour of their Bill; whether he is aware that the Limerick Corporation, Limerick Harbour Board, and all other representative bodies in Limerick City, are representing the wishes of the citizens in opposing the proposed amalgamation; whether he is aware that the Limerick Harbour Board is a solvent body fully able to meet its liabilities; and whether he will see that no further action is taken in this matter by the Board of Works which might interfere in any way with the right of the Limerick Harbour Board to influence Parliament in opposition to a Bill now awaiting its consideration.
§ *MR. HANBURYI have no knowledge of any reports circulated by the promoters of the Amalgamation Bill, but the action of the Board of Works with regard to it has been confined to protecting its own interests, firstly as mortgagee, and secondly as the protector of certain State aided railways. I do not know whether all representative bodies are joining in this opposition, or how far their action either way represents the wishes of the citizens. The solvency of the Harbour Board is not questioned. The Board of Works have a considerable interest in the expenditure of the Harbour Board, because all its surplus revenue is applied to reducing the principal of one of their loans, and accordingly I do not propose to interfere with their action.
MR. PATRICK O'BRIENMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that only last session the Chief Secretary for Ireland met a deputation of all the representative bodies, who stated their views to him? And with regard to the question of solvency, is it not the fact that this Harbour Board has not only paid up all the instalments of interest due but has reduced its capital debt by £36,000? And if that be so, what is the special reason which called for this warning this year and not last?
§ *MR. HANBURYOne reason is that they spent so much money last year that they cannot afford it this year.
§ *MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! The hon. Member must not persist in arguing.