§ MR. VINCENT KENNEDY (Cavan, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that the tenants and ratepayers of the parishes of Mullaghoran and Scrabby, in the county of Cavan, and neighbouring parishes in county Longford, have, in public meeting, called attention to the injury to their lands by autumn and winter flooding to the extent of 2,500 acres by the insufficient drainage works of the Loughs Oughter and Gowna district, and that a memorial adopted at the meeting had been addressed to the Commissioners of Public Works; and, if so, will he say what reply has been given by the Commissioners, and if the Commissioners will direct an inquiry as to the grievances complained of, and take the necessary steps to deal with the situation promptly.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY (Mr. VICTOR CAVENDISH,) Derbyshire, W.A petition was received last month on behalf of the farmers and occupiers of land situated within the area of the Loughs Oughter and Gowna Drainage District complaining of flooding and asking to have certain works carried out. The Board of Works have referred the petition to the drainage board, who report that they are having certain works of maintenance carried out, which will, in their opinion, meet the case. This statement is being communicated to the petitioners. New works, as distinguished from works of maintenance, are not within the powers of the drainage board, and would require the constitution of a fresh board under the Drainage Acts.