§ MR. W. A. MACDONALD (Queen's Co., Ossory)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he is aware that the Athy Town Commissioners have passed a Resolution in which they express a general approval of the Bill for the drainage of the Barrow and an earnest desire that it may become law; and, whether he will take into consideration this expression of opinion from the locality to be benefited, and will give reasonable facilities for the discussion of the measure on its second reading?
THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUH) (Manchester, E.)It is true that the Athy Commissioners have passed the Resolution described by the hon. Member. As the hon. Member is aware, it has been, and is, my earnest desire to proceed with the Bills—a desire only frustrated by the action of the hon. Gentleman's Friends.
§ MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)Will the right hon. Gentleman place the Barrow Drainage Bill at a proper place on the Orders and bring it forward before mid-night?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURsaid, the Bill had been brought forward before mid-night. There was an interesting discussion on the first reading, and a dis- 753 cussion on the second reading, started before midnight. In his opinion, it would be far better to see in what shape the Bills came from the Select Committee than to delay them indefinitely, as was now being done.