§ MR. CONDON (Tipperary, E.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Department of Agriculture for Ireland have had the navigation of the River Suir from Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir examined and reported on by their engineer, and that, being satisfied of the large traffic on the river and the importance of its improvement, he had recommended the improvement of such navigation, which necessitated the erection of certain works and the alteration in the bed and banks of that river, and that the Law Officers of the Crown had advised them to carry out such improvement; and, if so, having regard to the importance of improving the navigation of such rivers in Ireland, will the Government bring in a Bill to confer all such powers as may be necessary on the Department.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) The facts as to the engineer's examination and reportare substantially as stated. There is no foundation, however, for the suggestion that the Law Officers gave advice to the effect mentioned. I cannot give any undertaking that the Government will introduce legislation on the subject.