HC Deb 10 February 1904 vol 129 cc1328-9
MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received resolutions from the various public boards in Kerry pointing out the burdens in the shape of railway and harbour guarantees which the county, half of which is congested, has to bear; whether he intends to do something to lessen this tax; and whether he could apply a portion of the money accumulating under Section 57 of the Local Government Act of 1898 for this purpose.

MR. WYNDHAM

Yes, Sir, I have received a number of such resolutions. The reference at the end of the Question should be to Section 58, not 57, of the 'Act of 1898. I am not prepared to indicate the nature of legislative or other action which would be taken in the event of my coming to terms with the Great Southern and Western Railway.

MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the extent to which this burden falls on Kerry—several thousands a year?

MR. WYNDHAM

Yes, Sir, and we have long recognised the desirability of transferring these small lines to the great company.