§ MR. MURPHY (Dublin, St. Patrick's)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, 1493 Whether he is aware that the promotion of drainage schemes and kindred land improvements under existing legislation is almost at a standstill in Ireland in consequence of the Report of the Royal Commission for Public Works, and the expectation that fresh legislation on this subject will be introduced by the Government; and, whether there is any intention on the part of the Government to proceed with legislation in this direction in the present Session, or at all; and, if not, will an authoritative announcement to that effect be given to put an end to the present state of uncertainty?
§ THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)I am not aware that the promotion of drainage schemes and kindred land improvements is at a standstill in Ireland at the present moment. The subject has not been brought under my notice. One of the Bills in question, as a result of the Royal Commission on Irish Public Works, is now practically ready; but the hon. Gentleman is aware that there are other Irish measures before the House; and the Government do not think it right to introduce these Drainage Bills until some progress has been made with other Irish legislation, and there is a reasonable prospect of our being able to carry these Bills through the House without unnecessary delay.
§ MR. MURPHYAm I to understand that there is some prospect of carrying measures of this kind this Session?
§ MR. W. H. SMITHWe certainly hope and intend to do so.