§ MR. THORNTON (Clapham)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the present derelict state of the Portumna Railway is owing to the loss of a security for £32,420, through the negligence of a Department of the Government, and that this loss has been the cause of the difficulties that have befallen the railway, including a loss to the Treasury of their loan on mortgage of £12,000 and interest; and, if so, whether the Government will take the necessary steps for renewing the permanent way, and get the line re-opened for traffic for the benefit of the district at an early date; or, failing the above, whether he will cause a full investigation into the circumstances referred to.
§ MR. WYNDHAMI am in communication with the Public Works Loan Commissioners in reference to this Question, which I will ask my hon. friend to postpone until Thursday next.