asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether, by reason of the existing state of emergency resulting from the war situation, he has been asked by the Dublin United Tramways Company Limited for a postponement of their obligations to the holders of their 3½ per cent. B debenture stock, which is redeemable at par on the 1st November, 1939; if so, whether he can, without injury to the progress of the company, take steps to protect the interests of small stockholders by taking discretionary powers, or by granting discretionary powers to the company, to except, and to pay in full, stockholders who can prove hardship and who are depending on the redemption of the stock on the 1st November in order to carry on.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Tramway Company Stockholders.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and the second part does not therefore arise.
Mr. Byrne
If the tramway company make such an application—and they have served notice on the shareholders —will the Minister consider the points I have made in the question?
I am not certain that the tramway company would make the application to me.
Mr. Byrne
If they make the application to any Minister, will the Minister take care to protect the interests of the small shareholders before sanction is given to the company to do as they wish to do, according to the circular they have issued?
I am sure the Minister departmentally concerned will take every opportunity of considering all the interests and will see to what extent they may be safeguarded.