§ DR. KENNY (Dublin, College Green)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the delay in the production of the Report of the Army Sanitary Committee which met in Dublin on the 13th of April ultimo to inquire into and report on certain objections raised by the War Office Authorities against portions of the Dublin Main Drainage Scheme in connection with the precipitation tanks, is productive of much inconvenience and expense to the Dublin Corporation and of much disappointment to the working classes in Dublin, who are anxiously looking forward to the initiation of the proposed works for the employment so much needed; whether the said Army Sanitary Committee has met since the 13th April to consider 1044 their Report; and, if so, has their Report been yet presented; if not, can he state when it is likely to be presented; and whether he will take measures to expedite its production?
§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick's)On the same subject, may I ask whether the War Office Authorities have yet received the Report, the absence of which is given as a cause for delaying the Dublin Main Drainage works; and whether he will endeavour to expedite this matter, as already promised, because favourable time is passing, and the employment is much needed?
§ MR. WILLIAM KENNY (Dublin, St. Stephen's Green)I also beg to ask if the Army Sanitary Committee, which held an inquiry in Dublin on the 13th April last, with reference to the proposed Dublin Main Drainage Scheme, have as yet made their Report; if he will state what is the cause of the delay; and, having regard to the fact that the present period of the year is regarded as the most convenient and desirable for the initiation of the projected works, if he will take steps to expedite the furnishing of the Report?
§ *MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe Army Sanitary Committee have had two meetings on the subject of the Dublin Main Drainage Scheme since their return from Dublin, besides various informal meetings and discussions. The Report has not yet been presented; but the Committee hope to be in a position to do so shortly, and of this the Corporation of Dublin have been officially informed within the last few days. The Committee thought it desirable to inspect and obtain information regarding certain sewage works in England which had been referred to by the Drainage Committee of the Dublin Corporation. This inquiry will be completed this week.
§ DR. KENNY; Seeing that it is a notorious fact that the works can only be carried on in very fine weather, will the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to expedite the Report, so that the work-may be commenced in Dublin during the continuance of the present fine weather?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI am anxious to expedite the matter in every possible way. I have stated the reasons for what I cannot say is an unreasonable delay.
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI have said so.