§ 15. Mr. LYNNasked the Minister of Transport what was the amount of the subsidy paid to Irish railways during the financial year 1919–20; and whether he can state the estimated amount for the current financial year?
§ Sir E. GEDDESThe estimated amount payable under the railway agreement to the Irish railways in respect of, but not during, the financial year 1919–20 is £1,836,000. This estimate does not take into account certain deferred liabilities accruing in the year but not yet ascertainable. An estimate of the position in the current year is being prepared in the light of recent increases in expenditure, but I am unable to state any figures at present.
§ Mr. LYNNWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether subsidies are being paid to those railway companies which refuse to carry soldiers and policemen?
§ Sir E. GEDDESAll railways in Ireland are treated on the same basis, but the Irish railways have not been as self supporting as the English railways in the past.
§ Mr. LYNNIs that any reason why public funds should be paid to companies which refuse to carry soldiers and police?
§ Sir E. GEDDESIt is not the railway companies that refuse, but the men.