§ Sir WALTER NUGENTasked the Chief Secretary if, his attention has been called to the damage done by the floods in the Shannon district of Ireland, which has caused both loss of property and of life in the vicinity of Athlone, county Westmeath; and whether, in view of the fact that those floods are annually recurrent in large portions of the country through which the main rivers flow, the Government will contribute if a national drainage board is formed to deal with the matter, consisting of representatives of each district affected and others to be nominated by the Lord Lieutenant?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Board of Works inform me that a certain amount of flooding takes place on the Shannon each winter, but that the floods this winter have not been above the average, although statements to the contrary have appeared in the Press. The Board have no information as to any loss of life being caused by the floods. The proposals contained in the last paragraph of the question would require legislation, which obviously could not be undertaken at present.