asked whether the Boyne Navigation Company having gone into liquidation the canal is now derelict and its future working rests on an agreement with the Board of Trade being arranged; and whether, prior to its taking any action or considering any proposals, it is necessary that the Commissioners of Public Works should intimate to them the true condition of affairs?

I believe that under Section 45 of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act; 1888, an application with regard to a derelict canal can only come from a local authority or from three or more adjoining landowners, but perhaps the hon. Member would address a question on this point to the President of the Board of Trade. The Board of Works are now in communication with the liquidator with regard to the future of the canal.