§ MR. BIGGAR (Cavan, W.)asked the Secretary to the Treasury, If his attention has been drawn to the Resolutions of the Grand Juries of Antrim and Derry, declaring that the navigation schemes for the Lower Bann have entirely failed, and calling on the Board of Works to have the artificial obstructions to the flow of water removed as soon as possible; and, whether the hon. Gentleman will direct the improvements suggested to be carried out with as little delay as possible?
§ THE SECRETARY (Mr. JACKSON) (Leeds, N.)I have not seen the Resolutions referred to; but they will considerably facilitate matters in regard to the improvement of the Lower Bann. But the hon. Member is, perhaps, not aware that the Board of Works have no 523 authority over the river, and have had none for 25 years. Any works which may be desirable and practicable must, therefore, be carried out by, or by agreement with, the two Local Boards which now control the river, until a new-organization has been established by legislation. But the Government intend to take the matter up as soon as the Vote has been passed by this House, and to secure as much work being done as is possible during the present financial year and under existing conditions.
§ In reply to Mr. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.),
§ MR. JACKSONsaid, he could not name the day on which the Vote would come forward; but it would come as a Supplementary Estimate.