§ MR. J. TUITE (Westmeath, N.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that since the inspection of the Royal Canal, Ireland, by General Hutchinson, in July last year, practically nothing has been done by the owners, the Midland and Great Western Railway Company, to improve its condition; and whether, having regard to General Hutchinson's condemnation of the state of the water way, lock gates, tow paths, harbours, 917 passing places, &c., and to the neglect of the Company to remedy the very serious defects complained of, steps will be taken by the Board of Trade to have the promised re-inspection of the Canal at an early date, with a view to further proceedings?
§ MR. BRYCEThe Board are in communication with the authorities of the Royal Canal, and will press them to carry out General Hutchinson s recommendations. In February this year the Board received a Report from the Engineer of the Canal, which indicator some progress with the works; I shall be happy to show the Report to the hon. Member. The Board propose, before long, to order a re-inspection.