§ Resolution reported.
That it is expedient to make a free Grant, not exceeding the sum of £20,000, out of moneys to he provided by Parliament, for defraying a part of the costs of any works to be executed under any Act of the present Session for the improvement of the Drainage of Lands, and for the prevention of Inundations within the catchment area of Lough Neagh and the Lower Bann, and also to authorize the Board of Works in Ireland to make advances, out of money s to be provided by Parliament, for the purposes of the said Act.
§ Resolution read a second time.
§ Motion made, and Question put, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution."
§ MR. BIGGAR (Cavan, W.)I feel called upon to oppose this Motion for a variety of reasons, one of which is that the Bill, if passed into law, would be practically inoperative. Though the Bill has only been introduced a short time, I find that on the 11th of July, 1889, a resolution was passed by one of the South Derry Boards of Guardians, interested in the district of the Bann, protesting against the scheme, and asking a number of other Poor Law Boards to join with them in opposing it. I think the time of this House should not be wasted in passing Bills which will be inoperative. A large amount of this money, if it is granted, will have to be expended in preliminary surveys and unremunerative work. It will be entirely thrown away, no benefit whatever accruing from it. As the Session is far advanced, I think it would be well if the Government withdrew the Bill and introduced a more carefully-considered measure at the commencement of a future Session. I beg leave to oppose the Motion.
§ The House divided:—Ayes 153; Noes 95.—(Div. List, No. 205.)