§ MR. LEAHY (Kildare, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether, in making the preliminary inquiry for the drainage of the River Barrow, the plans of Messieurs Lewis and Strype, which have found so much favour with all parties interested in the work, will be considered; whether, in preparing for intended legislation, the proposal of those eminent engineers, who say that the reasonable outlay of £153,000 is quite enough for all practical purposes, will be seriously entertained; and, if not, can he state for what reason; and, whether it is intended to make the expense a public charge, or, in case it is intended to raise any portion off the districts, will the people have an opportunity of expressing their views on the plans, the cost, and the mode of raising the proportionate amount necessary?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)I have no reason to doubt that all plans and proposals which may be put forward in regard to the drainage of the River 479 Barrow will receive careful attention. The question in connection with the incidence of the charge in carrying out the works is one that must await the decision of the Legislature.