§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Prime Minister if, in view of the action of the Irish Government in relieving the Midland Railway Company of Ireland of its statutory obligation to keep the Royal Canal in a navigable condition, because of prospective legislation, and the imminent destruction of the canal and loss and inconvenience to many, he will say what degree of certainty there is of legislation on this subject next Session, and at what period of the Session?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I have already fully explained the position of affairs in my reply to the question asked by the hon. Member on 22nd July, and can only add that he is mistaken in supposing that the Irish Government has relieved the Midland Railway Company of any statutory obligation. Pending the receipt and consideration of the Report of the Royal Commission on Canals, it is obviously impossible for me to express any opinion as to the probability of legislation affecting the Royal Canal.