§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that serious floods have occurred in Shore Street, Weaver Street, and Mill water Street, in the City of Belfast, owing to encroachments in the course of the Millwater River within the city boundary for certain improvements; that, in consequence, the channel of this 1851 river is now insufficient to discharge the water after any heavy rainfall; and that great damage has been done to property and the inhabitants; whether he is aware that the Corporation permitted these alterations to be made, although warned of the consequences, and now disclaim all liability, and refuse to take steps to prevent recurrence of disaster; and whether, in view of the fact that the Corporation of Belfast are fully empowered to deal with such a case, both by their local Acts and also as the Sanitary Authority under the Public Health Acts, what steps the Government will take to cause the application of a remedy in the case?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Town Clerk of Belfast reports that in November' last, after an exceptionally heavy rainfall, houses in the vicinity of the water-course of the Millwater River were flooded. But that the Corporation neither sanctioned, nor were they in any way a party to the alteration of the old course. Not owning any property in the neighbourhood, the Corporation felt unable to take any action beyond making representations to the parties concerned, who, however, have, it appears, agreed to remove the cause of complaint.
§ MR. SEXTONThere have been two disastrous floods within a few years. What is the public authority which ought to attend to the matter?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI must ask the hon. Gentleman to give notice of the question.