§ Mr. HACKETTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Great Southern and Western Railway Company had sufficient notice of the increase in the number of waggons required at Thurles Station on the occasion of the last November fair; whether he is aware that it is usual for cattle and horse dealers to give notice to the station-master or his representative as to the probable number of waggons required by them, and that, in consequence of the failure of the previous fair in October, consequent on the railway strike, an increase in the number of waggons of stock compared with last year was to be expected; whether he is aware that the traders of Thurles district have repeatedly complained of the facilities for dealing with every class of goods traffic at the station; that the corn merchants cannot get sufficient waggon accommodation to send away corn; that similar complaints have been made in Tipperary and other stations; and that the railway companies are bound to convey goods and live stock within a reasonable time, and to 1346W provide sufficient rolling stock and other accommodation to meet the requirements of the public; and whether he will cause further inquiries to be made and take such other steps as may be necessary to this state of affairs, and prevent inconvenience and disappointment to the dealers, traders, and merchants?
Mr. BUXTONAs the hon. Member was informed a few days ago, the company state that they furnished 40 per cent. more waggons than last year for the Thurles Fair. I have, however, asked the railway company for their observations on the hon. Member's present question, and I will communicate with him on receipt of their reply.