*VISCOUNT DE VESCIMy Lords, this clause provides for the transfer to the county councils of the business of any drainage board. Clause 44 prescribes the area of the charge for all works under the county council. What I want to know is, what will be the area of the charge for these particular drainage works? At present they are restricted to the area which is benefited by them.
*THE LORD CHANCELLOR OF IRELANDMy Lords, there is no doubt thus is a matter of considerable importance. This clause provides that the Local Government Board may, with the consent of the board, or body affected, make a provisional order for transferring to a county council business arising in their county under any Act, and any drainage board, or other public body, corporate or incorporate, not being the district council or the Commissioners of a town, or a board of guardians. It is an empowering clause, and what is intended is to give the power of transferring the business of a drainage board, but it is not expected that there should be any variance of the incidence of the charge or the area affected. After the business has been transferred, the thing will work out readily.
§
Question put—
That clause 20 stand part of the Bill.
§ Motion agreed to.