asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state how many baronially guaranteed railways have paid their dividends during the last two years; whether he will state in how many cases these companies were able to pay a dividend, or in how many instances the Baronial Guarantees have been received by companies who will still decline to pay a dividend; whether, in view of the fact that many small holders are seriously affected by loss of dividends, he will impress on these companies the propriety of at one paying all dividends to date.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - BARONIALLY GUARANTEED RAILWAYS.
This question should have been addressed to the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
The Baronially Guaranteed Railway Companies, which are in arrear with the dividend on their Guaranteed Stock, are as follows:—
Cavan and Leitrim Railway.—The Guaranteed Dividends for the half-years ended 1st November, 1921, 1st May, 1922, and 1st November, 1922, have not been paid for the reason that the Baronial Contributions from the Leitrim County Council for these three half-years have not yet been received by the Company.
West Clare Railway.—The Guaranteed Dividend for the half-years ended 31st January, 1923, and 31st July, 1923, have not yet been paid. The last payment received by the Company from the guaranteeing areas was for the period ended 30th April, 1921.
South Clare Railway.—The Guaranteed Dividend for the half-years ended 31st January, 1922, 31st July, 1922, 31st January, 1923, and 31st July, 1923, have not yet been paid. The Dividend for the first of these periods will, I am informed, be paid during the course of this month. The last payment received by the Company from the guaranteeing areas was for the period ended 31st October, 1921.
Timoleague and Courtmacsherry Railway.—The Guaranteed Dividend for the half-year ended 30th June, 1923, has not yet been paid, but I am informed the contribution from the guaranteeing area has been passed for payment and the Dividend will be distributed at an early date.
It will be seen, therefore, that the non-payment by the Companies of the Baronially Guaranteed Dividend is attributable to the delay in recovering the contributions from the guaranteeing areas.
Is the Minister aware that every such railway in the Northern area has paid a dividend?