§ MR. MACVEAGHI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will state what is the usual procedure in the appointment of an arbitrator under the Railways (Ireland) Acts to make awards for lands to be compulsorily acquired; whether he can state who is responsible for the delay in the appointment of an arbitrator in connection with the Newcastle (County Down) Railway; and when the appointment is likely to be made.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe procedure is laid down in the Lands Clauses Consolidation Acts of 1851 and 1860. An arbitrator is appointed on the application of those who have obtained compulsory powers of purchase. No such application has yet been made in the present instance. The Government ha; no responsibility in the matter and cannot express any opinion on the subject.