§ 90. Mr. PONSONBYasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is 1474 aware that in the recent storm considerable damage was done by floods as well as fire to the Tyler Street huts in Bright-side, Sheffield, and serious loss has been inflicted on many of the inhabitants through the damage and destruction of furniture and personal belongings; and whether, in view of the fact that the force of the floods was largely due to the faulty drainage of the roads and the insufficient protection of the houses from rain water, for which His Majesty's Office of Works is responsible, he will consider favourably the claims for compensation from those of the inhabitants who have been put to heavy expense by the damage done to their property?
§ Sir J. BAIRDFull inquiries are being made into the matters referred to, and my Department will, of course, remedy any damage for which, as landlord, it is liable. My advisers are considering to what extent (if any) my Department is liable in respect of claims received for compensation for damage caused by this most exceptional storm.