HC Deb 20 February 1883 vol 276 c402
MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether the Government intend to take any and, if so, what steps with a view to dealing with the distress and the destruction of property caused in the Valley of the Barrow by preventable floods?

MR. COURTNEY

Sir, the question of the drainage of the Barrow has engaged the attention of Government. The first step necessary for practical purposes is the completion of surveys, plans, and estimates for a drainage system; this has been undertaken upon payment of half of the cost by those locally interested, Government providing the rest. As soon as this survey is complete we shall be in a position to consider what further steps should be taken. One of the difficulties of dealing with the case is a legal one; and this would be removed by a Bill which I hope to bring in this Session. This Bill is, however, of general application, and its introduction does not imply any conclusion in respect of the Barrow.