§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to compel the Midland Great Western Railway to have the Broadstone (Dublin) branch of the Royal Canal properly dredged and put in proper navigable order, so that boats can discharge their full load of sand or bricks, lime, or peat, as at present only half loads can be conveyed on this section owing to the way it is being silted up; whether he is aware that this part of the canal is the most convenient part of the system for supplying the north side of Dublin with such materials; whether the Board of Control have any power to have this work carried out; and, if so, whether he will press them to discharge their duty.
(Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) The Board of Trade have no powers which would enable them to take the action suggested with regard to the railway company. The Board of Control, as the hon. Member is no doubt aware, is appointed by the Irish Government, and I have no jurisdiction over them.