HC Deb 15 November 1917 vol 99 cc552-3
20. Mr. SCANLAN

asked the Chief Secretary whether, seeing that he received about six months ago a deputation consisting of Members of Parliament from the West of Ireland and others interested in the development of the coal and mineral fields of Arigna, and that he stated to that deputation that the project was receiving the careful consideration of his Department and of the Board of Trade, he will state now whether the Government have taken or intend to take any, and, if so, what, action to facilitate in developing the coal-field in question; and if he will inform the House whether the Government intend, for the purpose of helping this project, to construct or give facilities for constructing a line of railway from Arigna to Colooney?

Mr. DUKE

I am in communication with various persons interested as to a possible means of improving the transit facilities for Arigna coal.

Mr. SCANLAN

In view of the fact that this proposal has been under the consideration of his Department and of the Board of Trade for over a year, is the right hon. Gentleman not in a position to make a more definite statement?

Mr. DUKE

I cannot make any more definite statement than I have made. I should have thought that the hon. Gentleman would have seen that consideration has been given to this matter.

Mr. SCANLAN

May I ask whether the Government intend to do anything to develop the Arigna coal-fields?

Mr. DUKE

I cannot consent to be cross-examined on the answer I have given.

Mr. SCANLAN

Then what the right hon. Gentleman has said means nothing.

52. Mr. SCANLAN

asked whether the Government have adopted, or intend to adopt, any, and, if so, what, measures to assist in the development of coal-fields in Ireland as a war measure to lessen the demands on tonnage space and to cheapen the price of coal to the poorer people in Ireland?

Mr. DUKE

I have been asked to reply. The Government have undertaken the construction of one short railway for the service of an Irish colliery as a war measure, and I have at the moment proposals under examination with regard to others.

Mr. SCANLAN

Are we to understand that one small line of railway for one colliery has exhausted the whole of the Government effort for Ireland?

Mr. DUKE

The hon. Member must read my answer, and he will have no difficulty in understanding what I mean.

Mr. SCANLAN

I think I understand the right hon. Gentleman.

Mr. KEATING

Can we have some hope expressed that other railways will be developed during the War?

86. Mr. SCANLAN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an expert from the Coal Controller's Department made an inspection of the coal and mineral fields at Arigna about a year ago on behalf of that Department; whether the expert has reported; and whether the Government have taken or propose to take any, and, if so, what, action to promote the working of the coal and minerals in the Arigna area?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Wardle)

A mining engineer, appointed by the Controller of Coal Mines, investigated and reported upon the Arigna mineral-field. That Report, together with observations of the Controller of Coal Mines, has been forwarded to the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland for his consideration.