§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORasked 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. COURTNEYSir, 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.