Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, on the amalgamation of the Waterford and Limerick Railway Company with the Great Southern and Western Railway Company, the latter company gave a guarantee of fixed rates; and whether, in view of the proposed increase of railway rates in Ireland, he will cause an inquiry to be made into the matter?
Mr. BUXTONSection 19 of the Great Southern and Western and Waterford, Limerick and Western Railway Companies Amalgamation Act, 1900, provides that the rates on the two railways shall not be increased without, the consent of the Railway and Canal Commissioners. The Great Southern and Western Company gave, on the 3rd June, one month's notice of their intention to apply to the Commissioners for their consent to certain increases. The question is thus before the Court.