§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYasked the Secretary to the Treasury, Whether the Lords of the Treasury have considered the prayer of the memorial lately addressed by the Limerick Chamber of Commerce to the Treasury on the subject of the tolls on the Upper Shannon Navigation; whether he can hold out any hopes that the prayer of the memorial will be granted; and, whether it is intended to make any change in the management of the Navigation?
§ MR.COURTNEYSir, the anomalous position of the Shannon Navigation, with which my hon. Friend is familiar, has for some time occupied my attention, and I am glad to say I now see my way to introducing a Bill this Session, enabling the Government to transfer the management of the river navigation and of the piers on the estuary to persons or bodies interested in their maintenance and improvement, and possessed of more local knowledge than the Government have, or can hope to acquire. Pending the passing of such a Bill, it would not be right for the Government to take any steps which might diminish the solvency of the trusts which they hope to transfer to others; and for that reason the Treasury would not be warranted in reducing the tolls as suggested.