§ Mr. MacVEAGHasked the Secretary to the Treasury, whether he is aware that the Downpatrick District Council recently passed a resolution calling attention to the fact that the railway line in the centre of the main street of Ardglass is a source of public danger, the rails being lower than the rest of the street; whether he is aware that by an Order in Council under the Ardglass Railway Act the line should connect with Ardglass Quay, but that during the herring season only one train a day goes to the quay; whether steps will be taken to compel the full observance of the Order in Council or to have the rails removed; and whether he can state what authority is responsible for accidents arising from the condition of the railway lines?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hobhouse)The railway was constructed under the Downpatrick, Killough and Ardglass Railway Order in Council, 1890, and is worked and maintained by the Belfast and County Down Railway Company. The Order in Council makes provision for action by the County Surveyor in case the line is not properly maintained, and for an appeal to the Board of Trade, if necessary, either on the question of maintenance or the question of working (Article 40).
§ Mr. MacVEAGHWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the last paragraph of 420 the question as to what authority is responsible for accidents arising from the condition of the railway lines?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEThe duty rests with the county surveyor, and I should think he would therefore be liable.