§ MR. DELANY (Queen's County, Ossory)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the road known as the Cut, near Clonaslee, Mountmellick, Queen's county has, by order of the military authorities, been closed, thereby causing loss to the residents in the removal of peat fuel from the adjoining bogs; and, if so, will he say whether, before this step was taken, the provisions of the Military Lands Act, 1892, were complied with, and will he give the particulars of what was done, the notices served, the reports received, the persons from whom they were received; and whether steps will be taken to ensure that these people shall not be inconvenienced in securing fuel at the only season in which it is possible for them to do so.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. BROMLEY DAVENPORT,) Cheshire, MacclesfieldThe road in question is not closed. It was closed for five days while firing took place in the vicinity. No complaints were received, but as soon as it became known that traffic might be interfered with, the road was re-opened and arrangements were made by which firing could take place without interfering with the road. It is regretted that through an error the provisions of the Military Lands Act were not complied with.