§ COLONEL COLTHURSTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether the same facilities will be given to Boards of Guardians in Ireland to obtain loans for other than sanitary works as were given to Boards of Guardians in Lancashire during the cotton famine?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERSir, the facilities given to the Boards of Guardians in Lancashire at the time referred to, so far as I can gather from the clauses of the Act of Parliament, consisted of the power to borrow money for the purpose of making roads and footpaths, and widening, deepening, and straightening sewers or brooks; and also for the drainage of common land. The hon. and gallant Gentleman is aware that the Government have issued a Notice enabling presentment sessions to be held for the purpose of carrying out works of that kind in Ireland; and, moreover, in addition to this, the Government has already offered liberal terms to Boards of Guardians enabling them to borrow for various purposes in their capacities as local sanitary authorities, and this at a lower rate of interest than is allowed in ordinary eases.
§ MR. SHAWasked whether the deepening of rivers was included in the works that might be done by order of the presentment sessions?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERThere is no reference to the deepening of rivers in the Notice; but the Proviso states that the Lord Lieutenant, with the consent of the Treasury, may add works for special objects.