§ MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the Belfast and County Down Railway Company hold the necessary certificate to run steamships or other vessels, either as owners or on charter, for the conveyance by sea of passengers or general cargo; and, if so, on what date was such certificate granted.
§ MR. RITCHIEThe only certificates issued by the Board of Trade to the company referred to in the question at present in force are passenger certificates under the Merchant Shipping Act. They enable the company to carry passengers in the "Slieve Bearnagh," between Belfast and Bangor or Carrickfergus, and between Belfast or Bangor and Rathlin Island or Killough. These certificates are dated May 3rd.