§ MR ROCHE (Galway, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that on 29th March, 1897, the then Chief Secretary for Ireland stated in the House of Commons that if a responsible railway-company, such as the Great Southern and Western Company, were got to restore the Parsonstown and Portumna Derelict Railway at a cost of £24,000, and maintain it when restored, the Government would be prepared to advance one-half this sum, £12,000, for that purpose: and that an offer has been made by the International Railway Corporation, Limited, to spend £12,000 on restoring the line, and working and equipping it thereafter; and will he accordingly carry out 1171 the promise of his predecessor in office and accept the offer of the International Company.
§ MR. WYNDHAMI am aware of the statement made by my predecessor on the date mentioned. In answer to the second paragraph, I must refer the hon. Member to my replies to previous questions of the 4th and 7th instant on the same subject.*
§ MR. ROCHEAm I to understand the Government refuse the otter of the International Railway Corporation?
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe Treasury do not see their way to accept the proposals of the Corporation.