§ MR. MARUM (Kilkenny, N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he is aware of the state of things in reference to the extensive Drainage Districts of Erlingford, Johnstown, Cullohill, and Durrow, in North Kilkenny, embracing some 24 miles of the county of Tipperary, Queen's County, and the county of Kilkenny; that the tenant farmers of these localities promoted an arterial drainage scheme, about four years ago, at their own serious expense; that, thereupon, the engineer of the Local Government Board reported favourably of the project, to the extent of the expenditure of £32,000; that, owing to the present defective Drainage Code, under which "statutory termors" are excluded as "owners" of Drainage Districts, a small proportion of the percentage of "assents" is needed to ensure the technical formation of a Drainage District in the above locality, inasmuch as two land proprietors have withheld their cooperation; that, to remedy the deficient legislation, a Land Improvement and Arterial Drainage (Ireland) Bill has been introduced by successive Governments, but has not been passed; that a representation to this effect has been made on behalf of the above-mentioned tenant farmers to the Royal Commission of Inquiry as to Harbours, Arterial Drainage, &c, with the request that they would inspect the locality or receive evidence upon the subject, but they have not acceded to either course; whether he is able to state the reason for this refusal; whether the scope of the inquiry of this Royal Commission extends to arterial drainage in Ireland generally, or is limited to the same only where it affects "the improvement or preservation of any necessary facilities for inland navigation," or is such the interpretation or was such the intention of Her Majesty's Government; and, whe- 1555 ther, in the latter case, the Government are prepared forthwith to bring in a Bill amending the Drainage Code, and to sanction there under advances by the Treasury for Arterial Drainage at 3¾ per cent, same as under the Public Health Act?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. HOLMES) (Dublin University)(who replied) said: Such a scheme has been promoted in the matter stated by the hon. Gentleman. I understand it is not intended to hold a special inquiry into the scheme; but if the hon. Member desires it, an arrangement can be made for examining witnesses in London in about a week from the present date.