§ MR. P. M'DONALD (Sligo, N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he has received a copy of a Resolution passed by the County Sligo Grand Jury at the late Spring Assizes, calling attention to the necessity of improved port facilities to that part of the West Coast of Ireland; whether the Port of Sligo, considering its importance towards the development of the industries of the Western Province, is entitled to the favourable consideration of the Treasury; whether the Royal Commissioners on Irish Public Works will be instructed by the Government to inquire into the claims of the 714 Sligo Harbour board, us put forward in the several Memorials forwarded by them to the Treasury; and, what reply, if any, was sent to the Secretary to the Grand Jury, on receipt of the copy of Resolution referred to?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester. E.)A Resolution of the Sligo Grand Jury in favour of improved port facilities was received by the Government; but it is one with regard to which the Government regret to say that they do not feel in a position to take any present action. As the hon. Member is probably aware, it is not competent for me to give any instructions to a Royal Commission as to what evidence they will receive.