§ MR. MACVEAGH (Down, S.)To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the circumstances under which the Board of Lough Neagh Drainage Trustees was called into being; and what conditions are imposed upon them with regard to the auditing and publication of their accounts, and generally with regard to the manner in which the duties assigned to them, must be discharged.
(Answered by Mr. Victor Cavendish) The trustees are elected under the Act 5 and 6 Vic., c. 89, s. 120, in order to maintain the Lough Neagh drainage system. No conditions are imposed upon them with regard to the auditing and publication of accounts; but under the Act they are required to maintain the work in an efficient state of repair, and to raise the necessary funds for the purpose by means of a rate levied only on the proprietors. If any of these duties be neglected, injured persons can appeal to the Board of Works, who would immediately take cognisance of the matter. Electors can also make their wishes felt on the occasion of the periodical elections of the trustees.