§ MR. TOTTENHAMasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Whether his attention has been called to Petitions presented to the House from the Boards of Guardians of the Carrick on Shannon and Mohill Unions, in the counties Leitrim and Roscommon, and also one signed by the High Sheriff of the county Leitrim, on behalf of those who attended a meeting convened by him to consider the necessity for lowering the weir walls on the River Shannon; and, whether, in view of the strong expression of feeling that the temporary lowering of these weirs, pending the completion of the permanent works, is absolutely necessary to prevent further loss and disastrous consequences to the inhabitants of the district, he will give instructions to have this effected without delay?
§ LORD FREDERICK CAVENDISHSir, I received the Petitions referred to by the hon. Member yesterday. I had previously consulted the Board of Works in Ireland on the subject, at the suggestion of the hon. Member; but they are very strongly of opinion that to open a gap in the weirs in question, or to take off the coping, would be attended with great danger to the works. Under these circumstances, therefore, I am afraid it is impossible to take the steps suggested for lowering the weirs; but the permanent works will be proceeded with as rapidly as possible.