§ Mr. PATRICK WHITEasked the conditions upon which the board of works handed over the working of the canal between Navan and Drogheda to its present owners; and whether the board has taken any steps to ensure a compliance with the terms they imposed?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSESection 6 of the Boyne Navigation Transfer Act of 1896 provided that within two years within the passing of the Act the Boyne Navigation Company should execute all the works necessary to secure a navigable depth of 4 ft. 6 in. at least, from end to end of the 1183W navigation, and that they should for ever afterwards maintain that depth, and efficiently repair, work, develop, manage, and maintain the navigation to the satisfaction of this board. As regards the improvement and efficiency of the navigation, the board satisfied themselves that the company had complied with their legal obligation; and with regard to the development, maintenance, and working of the navigation, no complaint has been received of the failure of the company to carry out the obligations imposed upon them by the Act, and the Board consequently have not interfered in the matter.