Captain CRAIGasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), whether he can state if the members of the Eighty Club, who recently visited part of Ireland, were conveyed from Galway to Aran Island on the Congested Districts Board steamer "Granuaile"; and can he state whether the expenses of the trip were defrayed by the Eighty Club or by the Government, and, if by the latter, under what head they will appear in the Votes?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe steamer "Granuaile" on the occasion in question was performing its ordinary duty, and the members of the Eighty Club were taken at the same time, each member paying his own expenses.
Captain CRAIGMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman what the fare was, and whether it would be possible for others to use the steamer?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am quite sure anyone interested in Ireland and wishing to take a trip to the Aran Isles, like the hon. and gallant Member, upon payment of 5s., could do so, and would get food and moderate refreshments provided. The hon. and gallant Gentleman would be as welcome as anybody else.
Captain CRAIGThen this vessel subsidised by the Board is now to be looked upon as a passenger steamer?
§ Mr. BIRRELLNo, Sir; only if the steamer is going there on its own business; then and then only will it take extra freight.