§ 28. Captain DONELANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that since the outbreak of the War the health resorts and watering places in Ireland have had to depend almost altogether upon visitors from the industrial and agricultural parts of the country, owing to the curtailment of the cross-Channel and other passenger steamboat services, and that any increase in railway fares or reduction in railway facilities will not only tend to deprive city workers of a much-needed vacation, but will seriously affect the health resorts and watering places of Ireland: and whether, with a view to protect the interests at stake, he will press this matter upon the attention of the proper authority?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Irish Railway Executive Committee have the matter referred to in their hands. They will, I am sure, give such facilities as they can for necessary traffic, but economy of fuel is a governing consideration in railway control under present conditions.
§ Captain DONELANMay I take it for granted that the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the facts mentioned in the question are accurate?
§ Mr. DUKEI know that for several small Irish watering places it is a very serious matter. I have taken care to have attention called to it in every quarter where effect can be given to such measures as are possible for mitigating the trouble