§ MR. BOLAND (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that, in consequence of the withdrawal of the Clyde Shipping Company's 967 steamer from Sneem, the winkle industry, which during the previous season resulted in the earning of over £300 by families in the district, has been completely destroyed; and whether, in view of the effect of the agreement made between the Congested Districts Board and the railway company, the clause by which the Board has bound itself not to grant a subsidy to any shipping company for the next five years will be cancelled.
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. WALTER LONG, Bristol, S.)The Board have no information that the fact is as stated in the first inquiry. I have already given the reasons why the agreement between the Board and the railway company cannot be withdrawn. The object of this agreement was to obtain favourable railway rates upon the withdrawal of the subsidised steamship service, and that object has been attained.
§ MR. BOLANDWill the right hon. Gentleman direct an inquiry into the industries destroyed by the action of the Congested Districts Board?
§ MR. WALTER LONGNo, Sir. I cannot see that an inquiry is necessary. The Board have made the best arrangement they could.
§ MR. BOLANDBut the public opinion of the whole county condemns the arrangement.
§ MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)What object is gained, seeing you have destroyed an industry and done great injury to a whole district?
§ MR. WALTER LONGWe secured special arrangements with regard to railway rates.