§ MR. WALTER LONGTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what was the amount set aside out of moneys provided by the Marine Works Act on harbour works, originally contemplated at Innishlyre, county Mayo; whether the construction of these works has now been definitely abandoned; if so, is it proposed to expend the full amount of the grant provided for Innishlyre on other works of public utility in the county Mayo; and whether he can hold out any hope that effect will be given to the recommendation of the late Government in favour of the opening up of the district between Mullaranny and Belmullet, by the construction of a line of railway connecting these places, in substitution for works at Innishlyre.
§ (Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The amount which was provisionally allocated by the late Government out of the Marine Works Fund for harbour works at Innishlyre was £51,000. As the right hon. Gentleman 834 is aware, this scheme was suspended before the present Government came into office, and I cannot say whether it will be revived, because the Government have at present under consideration a scheme for the extension to Belmullet of some existing line of railway. This latter scheme, if carried out, would involve a much larger expenditure than that mentioned. I am not yet in a position to make any more definite statement upon the subject.