§ 74. Mr. TURTONasked the Minister of Transport the reason for the refusal of the Ministry of Transport to return to the county councils of Dublin and Wicklow moneys paid by them since 1st January, 1917, in respect of the working expenses 571 of the Dublin and Blessington steam tramway in excess of the amount contributed towards working expenses in 1913; and if he will direct that the necessary adjustment be made forthwith as provided by Section 1 of the Irish Railways (Confirmation of Agreements) Act, 1919.
§ Mr. NEALThe hon. Member is (if I may venture to say so) confusing two distinct matters, namely, the Agreement under which the railway of which the county councils are the owners came under Government control, and the provisions of the Irish Railways (Confirmation of Agreement) Act, 1919. Under the Agreement the county councils are not entitled to recover from the Government the expenses in question. The Act only extends to those local authorities who are under obligation to guarantee dividends in respect of railways owned by companies.