§ MR. W. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick's)I bog to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to the resolution unanimously passed at a great labour meeting held in Phoenix Park last Sunday, which condemned the delay alleged to be caused by the War Office and Treasury Departments in commencing the Dublin Main Drainage Scheme, as the health and convenience of the city is injured by the present condition of the River Liffey, and protesting against the waste of valuable fine weather for such operations, and the omission of giving much-needed employment; and whether he will expedite arrangements, so that the works may be begun at once?
§ *MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANIn view of the improved state of health of the troops in Dublin which may be looked for in the event of an efficient system of drainage being carried out for the city, I am as anxious as the Corporation can be to facilitate its completion. The Army Sanitary Committee, have, however, reported that the scheme proposed would be fraught with serious danger to the health of the garrison of Pigeon House Fort, and negotiations are in progress for the transfer to the Corporation of Dublin of the site of the fort.
§ MR. FIELDAm I to understand, from the reply of the right hon. Gentleman, that he will expedite this business? 422 It has been going on for a very long time, and there does not appear to be any progress made whatever.
§ *MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANGreat progress has been made. It was necessary, when the scheme of the Corporation was communicated to the War Office, for me to refer it to the Army Sanitary Committee to find out what effect it would have on the health of the men at Pigeon House Fort. That Committee conducted an nquiry on the spot; its Report was sent to the Dublin Corporation, who have replied to it. The question is whether the Corporation and the War Office can come to terms as to the acquisition of the land. There has been no unnecessary delay.
§ *MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI do not know; but whether they are many or few, it is not desirable that they should be poisoned.