§ MAJOR TRENCHasked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he is aware that the state of the Shannon has been the means of preventing the undertaking of the drainage of the extensive districts bordering the River Suck ever since the year 1848, notwithstanding the frequent efforts of the persons affected to obtain the requisite permission to drain their lands; and, whether, having regard to the fact that there is no other outlet for the waters of the Suck except through the Shannon, and also that the latter river is under the sole control and guardianship of the Government, he will urge upon them the necessity which exists for taking such steps as may be necessary to place the river in a condition to fulfil its natural function; and, if not, whether he will state what steps should be taken, and by whom, to prevent the continuance of this dead lock?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, I am not aware that the state of the Shannon has been the means of preventing the undertaking the drainage of those districts, and I am sorry to say that I am not prepared to urge upon the Government to take any steps in this matter, nor able to give any advice as to what other steps should be taken.
§ MAJOR TRENCHI beg, then, to give Notice that on an early day I shall move for certain Papers, which may make it patent to the right hon. Gentleman that the substance of what is set forth in my Question is in accordance with the simple facts.