HC Deb 06 August 1889 vol 339 cc535-6
MR. COX (Clare, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that on Wednesday last, when Sir Thomas Brady and Mr. Hornsby, Inspectors of Fisheries, opened an inquiry at Athlone, by order of the Government, as to whether injury was likely to be done to the fishing interests of the Shannon by the drainage works now in progress, and intended to be carried out by the Irish Board of Works, several professional gentlemen, representing the various interests concerned, were present, at great expense, but that the inquiry had to be adjourned to the 3rd instant to Limerick in consequence of the non-attendance of Mr. Crosthwaite, the Board of Works representative; whether Sir Thomas Brady is correctly reported to have stated that "ample notice was given to the Board of Works. It is very extraordinary;" whether Mr. Hornsby stated— If the Board of Works had not common courtesy, they should, at all events, have acted with common sense; but they had shown neither the one nor the other; and, what action the Government intend taking in the matter?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

This is a question which should be addressed to the Secretary to the Treasury. A similar question was on the Paper yesterday, and I have no doubt that it was answered.

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. JACKSON, Leeds, N.)

Yes, Sir; I did answer the question yesterday.

MR. COX

Will the Report of the inquiry as to the injury likely to be done to the fishing interests of the Shannon by the drainage works be laid before the House before the money to provide the cost is voted?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

The Government have no control over the inquiry, nor am I able to state the date when it will be concluded. It is, therefore, quite impossible for me to answer the question.

MR. COX

This is a Government inquiry.

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

All the Government had to do was to put it in motion.