§ MR. TUITE (Westmeath, N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is the intention of the Government to lower the water level of the River Shannon by two feet, as recommended by the Royal Commission on Irish Public Works; and, whether, in connection with the projected drainage works on the Shannon, the Government propose to include the drainage of the Valley of the Brosna; and, if so, will the necessary alterations be made at the regulation weir at the southern extremity of Lough Ennell, on the Upper Brosna, and the river deepened between that point and Ballinagore, in order that the level of the lake may be lowered, and the drainage of an extensive district in the County of Westmeath provided for?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. T. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)in reply, said, the water level of the River Shannon could not be lowered without legislation, and legislation on the subject was not intended. The Government did not propose to include the drainage of the Valley of the River Brosna in connection with the projected drainage works on the Shannon, the works in contemplation being of a more general character.