§ MR. DALYI beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can state if it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation during the present Session of Parliament enabling the people of Ireland to promote railways, canals, and waterworks without having to come to the House of Commons for such powers?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURAt the request of my right honourable Friend I will answer this question. The Irish Government do not propose to introduce a Bill dealing with Private Bill legislation in Ireland during the present Session. Whether the provisions of the Scotch Bill could or should be made applicable to Ireland is a question on which I am not in a position at present to express an opinion.
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI have not the gift of prophecy.