THE EARL OF SANDWICHasked Her Majesty's Government, What were their intentions with regard to this Bill? He was sorry to find that the measure in question had not been mentioned in the other House when a statement was made by the Prime Minister with respect to pressing Business. The measure came before their Lordships' House some two or three years ago, and, although the danger occasioned by flooding had been acknowledged on all sides, nothing had yet been done. That danger was constantly increasing, and if there should be a general sudden flooding, it might be years before the damage would be remedied. The longer legislation was postponed, the more did the country suffer, and the greater became the evil calling for a remedy.
§ LORD CARRINGTON, in reply, said, he was instructed to inform the noble Earl that the question was one which was considered of the greatest importance by the Government, and it had 182 not been shelved or postponed in the slightest degree. They were well aware of the importance of the measure in many parts of England, and especially to the county in which the noble Earl was interested. In spite of the temporary collapse of Business in "another place," he was instructed to say that the Government were not without hope that the Bill might be passed into law this Session.