§ MR. ROSS (Londonderry)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether any agreement has been entered into with the Corporation of Dublin for the purchase of the Pigeon House Fort, or whether any negotiations in relation thereto are pending; and whether there is any statutory power authorising the application of the rates for such a purpose?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANNo agreement has been entered into with the Corporation of Dublin for the purchase of Pigeon House Fort, but negotiations on the subject are being carried on. I am unable to answer the second question, which seems rather to be a question for the Corporation and the ratepayers.
§ MR. ROSSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the object of the Corporation of Dublin in trying to secure possession of Pigeon House Fort is to enable them to carry out a most extensive scheme of drainage which the residents of Dublin strongly object to?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANMy information is that the Corporation are promoting an elaborate scheme of drainage, which, so far as I can judge, deserves the support of the inhabitants, if I may be allowed to express an opinion, and I am disposed to give all the assistance in my power.
§ MR. ROSSWill the right hon. Gentleman consult his Legal Advisers as to whether there is power to apply the rates in this particular way?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThat is not my affair; it is the affair of the Corporation.