§ MR. O'DOHERTY (Donegal, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that since the opening of the Buncrana and Carndonagh Railway, after providing for working expenses, there has been a surplus profit in each half year, and that prior to the opening of the line the guaranteeing area had to provide certain sums for dividends on the £5,000 baronial guaranteed shares; and, seeing that, notwithstanding Section 5 of The Tramways (Ireland) Act, 1883, up to the present the surplus profits have been divided between the working company and -die Treasury, will he take steps to have the provisions of the Act enforced in this case.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. HAYES FISHER,) FulhamThe answer to the first question is in the affirmative. I understand that the County Council of Donegal paid interest amounting to £91 18s. 2d. to the Lough Swills Co. in respect of the half year ended 31st December, 1900, and £100 in respect of the half year ended 30th June, 1901. The Board of Works were no parties to tins arrangement. The Board are advised that the county was not bound to make any payment under the guarantee until after the line was opened, and that payments made for a period an- 874 terior to the opening of the line were voluntary payments not contemplated by the Tramways Act of 1883, and consequently that Section 5 of the Tramways Act of 1883 does not apply.
MR. O'OHERTYSeeing that the Treasury have received a portion of the money which should not have been paid, will it refund it to the county?
§ MR. HATES FISHERI will consider that.