§ MR. J. P. FARRELL (Cavan, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the low-lying lands along the River Erne have recently been very much flooded; whether any power exists to compel the Ballinamore and Ballyconnell Drainage Board to discharge its duties; and is there any power to compel them to drain the tributary rivers of the Erne so as to prevent these disastrous floods?
§ MR. HANBURYThe Board of Works have no information tending to show that the River Erne has recently risen above its usual winter level. The Ballinamore and Ballyconnell Drainage District is in the hands of Trustees appointed under the Act 5 and 6 Vic, cap 89, whose duty it is to maintain the works and assess and collect the necessary maintenance rate. In case of default on their part, the Board of Works have power to carry out the necessary works, and to charge the cost upon the district. Complaints having been received as to the state of the works, the district was recently inspected by the Board's Engineer, and the Trustees have been called upon to remedy the defects. The matter will be considered at a meeting of the Trustees on the 12th proximo. There is no power for the Trustees to expend money except on maintaining the works in the condition in which they were handed over to them. No new works or enlargements of old works can be undertaken.