§ MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the loss of life and property caused by the Dublin and Blessington steam tram line since it was started some fifteen years ago, he will order an inquiry to be made into the working and management of the system, including the stability of the permanent way and the condition of the rolling stock.
§ THE PRESIDENT or THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralMy right hon. friend has asked me to answer this Question. The Board of Trade have power, under the authorising Order in Council, to cause inquiry to be made by one of their officers into the working and maintenance of this line, upon a representation made to them by either of the county councils interested, or by twenty ratepayers of a guaranteeing area, or by either of the county surveyors. If such a representation is received, I will consider the question of ordering an inquiry.