§ Mr. F. MEEHANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he aware that, owing to bad management of the Cavan and Leitrim Light Railway, the ratepayers in the Leitrim portion of the guaranteeing area are called upon to pay a deficit rate of 1s. 6d. in the £; whether he is aware that this line is being run in conjunction with the Arigna Coal Mining Company, and that if this mine were developed it would not only tend to reduce the burden on the ratepayer, but be a source of revenue to the shareholders and a boon to Ireland and the Empire in these days of want of coal, high prices, and shortage of shipping; and whether he will recommend a Treasury Grant towards the developing of those mines?
§ Mr. DUKEI am informed that the poundage rate levied in respect of the working of the Cavan and Leitrim Light Railway for 1916 is somewhat less than that mentioned by the hon. Member. The working charges have been necessarily increasing in recent years as on all railways. The Commissioners of Public Works are not aware that the line is being run in conjunction with the Arigna Mining Company, though out of fourteen directors of the railway company (of whom six are appointed by the county council three are also directors of the 971W mining company. I am not aware of any exceptional circumstances which would warrant a Grant from the Treasury.