§ 9. Mr. P. MEEHANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the flooding of the River Barrow within the past few weeks has caused loss and suffering to occupiers of land within the catchment area; if he is aware that thousands of pounds worth of stock and crops have been destroyed by the floods within that period, that the process of destruction continues daily, and that unless some prompt measures of relief are taken hardship and want will be caused to many sufferers in the area; if he is aware of the provisions of the draft Barrow Drainage Bill circulated by the late Chief Secretary for Ireland for the consideration of the local authorities within the Barrow 452 area; if he is aware that the local authorities approved of the provisions of that Bill, and agreed to raise by local taxation the amount to be raised locally under its provisions; and whether, taking into consideration the necessity of protecting, maintaining, and developing the sources of food supply during the War, he proposes either to introduce forthwith his predecessor's Drainage Bill, or, in the alternative, to recommend that a sufficient number of German prisoners of war should be employed in the drainage of the River Barrow?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)I am aware of the damage caused by flooding of the River Barrow. The adoption of either of the hon. Member's proposals at the present time appears not to be practicable. The provision of a remedy against natural forces such as those which cause periodical flooding in a country like that traversed by the Barrow is a work of such magnitude as prevents its being undertaken in time of war.
§ Mr. MEEHANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that thousands of acres are rendered practically useless; and, in view of the importance of food production, is it not time that some steps should be taken, and will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Department of Agriculture for statistics of the damage done?
§ Mr. DUKEI will inquire of the Department as to whether some temporary remedy can be found but, as I pointed out in my answers, the causes have been in existence for many years, and the matter is one of great difficulty.
§ Mr. MEEHANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in one of the town lands, owing to the floods, the only outstanding object in one area was a tree, on the trunk of which was a poster calling upon farmers to join the Army?
§ Mr. FIELDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter has been under consideration for seventy years?
§ Mr. DUKEThis matter has had careful consideration for a considerable number of years, but the causes are widespread and have been in existence for ages.
§ Mr. MEEHANWill the right hon. Gentleman advise the Government to put some of the German prisoners on to this work—some of the men who have been taken since July?