§ Mr. STEPHEN GWYNNasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can see his way to increase the powers available for the preservation of ancient monuments in Ireland; whether county councils might be given the right to acquire compulsorily such historic remains as the Lyon Tower, in Galway, now threatened with demolition?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed that only five counties in Ireland, of which Galway is one, have shown any disposition to avail themselves of the provisions of the Statutes enabling them to take over and maintain ancient monuments, and it would appear to be premature to consider the question of increasing the powers of county councils, and giving them compulsory powers of acquiring ancient monuments until a more general disposition is shown to avail themselves of the powers they already possess.