21. Major O'NElLLasked whether a railway company in Ireland is allowed to constitute itself a public utility society under the provisions of the Irish Housing Act for the purpose of building houses for its employés in the vicinity of its various stations?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONA railway company as such cannot be a public utility society under the provisions of the Irish Housing Act, but as such a society can be formed by eight persons, one of whom acts as secretary, it is open to any railway company to promote the formation of a society amongst its employés. An explanatory memorandum on the subject was sent to all the Irish railway companies in June last, and some weeks ago further particulars of State aid available were communicated to them.
§ Major O'NEILLCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any Irish railway company, as such, has taken advantage of these provisions?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI cannot say offhand, but I will make inquiries and communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend.