§ MR. JOHN O'CONNOR (Kildare, N)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the subject of the arterial drainage of Ireland have held any sittings to take evidence; when may a report be expected from the Commission, and is it the intention of the Government to legislate on the subject-matter of the inquiry at an early date?
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) During the past two months the Commissioners have held a number of sittings, but a great many witnesses have yet to be examined. The report of the Commission is expected towards the close of the present year. The question of legislation cannot be considered until the report is received.