asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state when he expects to introduce proposals for legislation dealing with the acquisition of the Great Northern Railway, and if he is aware of the inconvenience caused to stockholders by the delay in enacting the legislation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Great Northern Railway.
Mr. Lynch
I am not yet in a position to say when the legislation dealing with the acquisition of the Great Northern Railway will be introduced. As indicated on previous occasions, I am anxious that this measure should be enacted as soon as possible, and I may say that substantial progress is being made with the necessary preliminaries.
In so far as the stockholders are concerned, there is at present no restriction on stock exchange dealings in Great Northern Railway stocks.
What does the Parliamentary Secretary mean by the expression "the necessary preliminaries"? Is not this proposed legislation to be introduced for the purpose of implementing an agreement that was arrived at in detail between the Government of the Six Counties and the Government of the Republic?
Mr. Lynch
The agreement made must differ to some extent from any heads of legislation and the negotiations which are proceeding now refer to the heads of the legislation.
Is this delay due to whatever is going on in the draftsman's office?
Mr. Lynch
Preliminaries that are necessary between the two Governments with regard to the legislation which is to give effect to the agreement.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the legislation is likely to be introduced before the Summer Recess?
Mr. Lynch
I could give no information as to that.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the legislation will be introduced before the general election?
To-morrow night.
To-morrow night—is that the answer? Thanks be to God, you let the cat out of the bag. I thought the Minister for Finance was looking a bit grey to-day.