HC Deb 04 July 1910 vol 18 cc1313-4
Mr. CLANCY

asked if the right hon. Gentleman will now state specifically, giving in detail the money value of each, what are the services performed by the London and North-Western Railway Company on account of which the Lords of the Treasury have been considering for more than two years past whether the Kingstown Harbour dues, which the steamers of that company are legally liable for, shall be charged or not; will he give similar information as to the services performed by the Great Western Railway Company and the dues for which their steamers are liable; and when will a decision be come to on the entire matter?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

During the last fortnight the negotiations between the London and North-Western Railway and the Treasury have been continued, and I hope I may be in a position to conclude them at no distant date.

Mr. CLANCY

Did not the right hon. Gentleman state that the, negotiations were suspended for a year or so?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I did not make any such statement.

Mr. CLANCY

asked whether there has been any correspondence, in addition to that already published in the shape of a Parliamentary Return, in reference to the use of the pier at Kingstown by the steamers of the London and North-Western Railway Company, and the dues to be paid for the use of Kingstown Harbour by that company; and if so, whether he will publish it either in a Parliamentary Paper or otherwise?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

No further correspondence has passed.

Mr. CLANCY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he or his predecessor said two years ago that further correspondence had passed even at that time?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

No; I do not recollect making any such statement myself, and I cannot be answerable for what may have been said by my predecessor.

Mr. MOONEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was stated that there had been further correspondence, but that it was not wise to publish it, as judicial proceedings were pending?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I do not recollect. If the hon. Gentleman will give me dates and particulars, I will look into the matter.