§ MR. STOREY (Sunderland)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been directed to an unanimous resolution of the Antrim Grand Jury, protesting against the obvious-injustice of imposing taxation for the Bann Drainage scheme on lands other than the flooded lands to be benefited, and to a memorial in opposition to the Bill adopted at the annual meeting of the Poor Law Guardians and Town Commissioners at Banbridge; and, whether, in face of local and Parliamentary opposition, it is his intention to proceed, further with the measure?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI understand, that some such resolution has been passed. I cannot admit the alleged injustice. The localities will have the opportunity of rejecting the Bill if they dislike it, and I hope Parliament will not refuse them the opportunity of expressing their opinion on the subject.
§ MR. STOREYDoes the right hon. Gentleman still adhere to his statement that there is no injustice, having regard to the fact that the Conservancy Board is so constituted that the persons whose lands will be immediately benefited by this scheme, and who will contribute about one-eighth of the cost, will possess three-fourths of the voting power?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI adhere to what I have said.