§ MR. JASPER TULLY (Leitrim, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury (1) whether he is aware that the Drainage 276 Works on the Shannon, near Battle-bridge, which it was promised by the late Government would have been commenced early in April, have not yet been taken in hand; and (2) whether he can state the cause of the delay, and how soon the work will be begun so as to afford employment to the people in the adjoining district of South Leitrim, which is in an impoverished condition?
§ MR. HANBURYThe delay is caused by the fact that the occupier of a mill has sent in a claim for compensation which the Board of Works are advised is quite unreasonable, and more than the funds available would permit of their spending on compensation. The Board hope that he will soon come to terms, and the works will then be commenced immediately.