asked the President when it is proposed to introduce a Bill dealing with Railways in the Free State, and if he will circulate to Deputies copies of the letter stated to have been sent to Railway Companies respecting staff appointments.

, replying—I am not yet in a position to fix a date for the introduction of this Bill. It is, however, in preparation. If there is a general desire among Deputies for the circulation of the letter sent to the Railway Companies by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on the subject of staff appointments, I will arrange to have it done. But it appears to me to be quite unnecessary.

Is the Minister in a position to state if, in the Bill he speaks of, it is proposed to deal with canals as well as railways, or whether it is proposed to deal only with railways?

With railways only.