Mr. FRED HALL (Dulwich)asked what is the amount of English capital invested in Irish railways; if it would be competent for the Irish Parliament, under the Government of Ireland Bill, to nationalise the railways on such terms as it might think proper; and, if so, what security would exist for the free use of the lines for military and defence purposes?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have no information as to the amount of English capital invested in Irish railways. It would be competent for the Irish Parliament to nationalise the Irish railways on proper-terms, but not to alter any existing law as to the use of railway lines for naval and military purposes, or to make any new law on the subject.