§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in the event of money being made available hereafter for the purposes of arterial drainage in Ireland under the provisions of the Development and Road Improvement Funds Bill now before Parliament, it is proposed to utilise any advances for such purposes without having recourse to the amending drainage legislation recommended by the Commission appointed in 1905 by the late Government?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)It would, in my opinion, be premature to enter on the consideration of the important question which the hon. Member has raised until the Development and Road Improvement Funds Bill now before Parliament has become law.
§ Mr. LONSDALEHas the Irish Government considered whether the Development Grant ought to be used to promote amending drainage legislation?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI agree with the hon. Member that amending drainage legislation is necessary. How far it will be possible for drainage schemes in Ireland to benefit by the provisions of the Development Bill now before Parliament I really think I ought not to be asked to say. I realise the importance of the question.
§ Mr. LONSDALEIn the event of the Bill not going through, will the right hon. Gentleman consider this matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLOh, certainly.