§ M. DANEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland can he say how many applications were made by landlords, and in respect of how many holdings, to the Irish Board of Works for an increase of rent in respect of the Erne Lough and River Drainage; how many of these applications have been heard and with what result, and how many remain undisposed of; and having regard to the universal desire amongst all parties interested that a public sworn inquiry should be held into the administration of the funds advanced by the Irish Board of Works so far in excess of the estimated cost, will the Government consider the propriety of granting such inquiry, or some inquiry?
§ *SIR J. T. HIBBERTApplications by 62 landlords affecting 1,448 tenancies have been made and heard. The rents of 1,121 tenants were increased; in 96 cases no increase was made, and in 231 cases the Commissioners had no jurisdiction. The total annual increased rents payable by tenants amount to £1,487. Two additional applications, each affecting one tenant, are still undisposed of. Full information respecting the Lough Erne Drainage scheme has been given in Parliamentary Paper No. 414 of 1891, and I do not consider it necessary that any further inquiry should be made.