HC Deb 12 June 1907 vol 175 cc1417-8
*MR. MEEHAN (Queen's County, Leix)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state the total cost, for salary and travelling expenses respectively, of Mr. J. D. Bell, while engaged in the inspection and valuing of the Bann and Lough Neagh drainage district; and what is the total amount of money given as a free grant for the drainage of the Bann.

MR. BIRRELL

The cost referred to in the first part of the Question has not † See (4) Debates, clxxii., 941. yet been fully ascertained. No free grant has been given for the drainage of the Bann; the matter has not yet been determined.

*MR. MEEHAN

Was not £139,000 advanced for the drainage of the Bann, and not a shilling can be got to relieve the people in the valley of the Barrow?

MR. BIRRELL

There has been a fresh Report, and the whole question must be reconsidered.

MR. MOONEY

Have there not been three separate sums for travelling expenses this year at the rate of £45 per month?

MR. BIRRELL

I cannot say.

MR. CHARLES CRAIG

Has not the £139,000 advanced for the drainage of the Bann been long since repaid to the Treasury?

MR. BIRRELL

I should like notice of that.