MR. STAFFORD O'BRIENasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it was true that delays had taken place in the advance of the monies voted by Parliament to the drainage and improvement of land in Ireland, in consequence of want of the necessary funds?
§ The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERwas not aware that any de- 330 lays had taken place except in one respect, which seemed to have arisen out of some misapprehension on the part of the landed proprietors themselves. They wished to improve their estates; but he knew of many instances in which the proprietors had done nothing towards availing themselves of the aid offered to them, because they remained waiting until Government officers should be sent down to survey and suggest the nature of the improvements. Now, the Government would not do any such thing. There was no such intention in passing the Act of Parliament. But he was not aware that any difficulties had arisen from want of funds.