§ MR. A. O'CONNORI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the serious losses which the riparian occupiers along the Barrow have sustained again this year from the floods; and whether it is in contemplation to issue in November next the necessary Notices for a Bill next Session for the drainage of the river basin similar to that introduced by the late Government?
MR. J. MORLEYThe necessary steps for the introduction of a Bill dealing with this matter were taken by the late Government, as no doubt my hon. Friend recollects, in two successive Sessions of Parliament, but owing to the opposition the measure met with in the House of Commons it was not proceeded with. If I am satisfied that the riparian owners are unanimous in their desire for the re-introduction of the Bill, and that it will meet with no substantial opposition, I will carefully consider the desirability of taking the necessary steps to introduce it.
§ MR. A. O'CONNORIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reason why the Barrow scheme did not pass was that the late Chief Secretary insisted on the Bann scheme having precedence over it?
MR. J. MORLEYMy recollection as to the schemes for the Bann and Barrow are rather vague, and I cannot answer that question.