HC Deb 02 May 1892 vol 3 cc1770-1
MR. KNOX

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will produce in full, for the inspection of Members interested, Mr. Price's statements of 19th and 31st August, 1891, parts of which are printed in the Report of the Board of Works in Ireland on the Lough Erne Drainage Scheme, at pages 10 and 11; whether it is the fact that, though no reference is made to the matter in the Report, no part of Mr. Price's scheme relating to navigation has been carried out; and whether, if any improvement in navigation has been effected, will he explain what that improvement is?

SIR J. GORST

I do not think that it would serve any useful purpose to lay upon the Table the unpublished parts of Mr. Price's Reports, which do not affect the object of the Return. I am informed that all works as contemplated in Mr. Price's scheme have been carried out; but I am not able to say how far the navigation has been improved.

MR. KNOX

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury in how many cases the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland have raised the rents of tenants whose lands are alleged to have been improved by the Lough Erne Drainage; what is the total amount of increase; what is the acreage of the land alleged to have been improved, and on which the rents have been increased; and how many of such tenants held under judicial tenancies?

SIR J. GORST

An inquiry is being made by the Board of Works, and when it is completed I will give the hon. Member the information he requires.

MR. KNOX

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me information as to the cases in which compensation has been given by the Board of Works?

SIR J. GORST

No, Sir; but if the hon. Gentleman will give me notice I will endeavour to get him the information.