COLONEL CORBETTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to a letter in "The Standard" newspaper of the 27th of February, wherein it is stated that all the chimneys in Limerick are swept by climbing boys; and whether any steps can be taken to ascertain the truth of that statement, and, if found to be true, of putting a stop to the practice?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH,in reply, said, that his attention was first called to the letter by the Notice of his hon. and gallant Friend. The statement it contained was considerably exaggerated. From inquiries he had made, however, he had reason to believe that the law prohibiting the employment of boys in chimneys was evaded to a considerable extent in Limerick, and he had directed the Constabulary to put a stop 1178 to the practice. The Mayor and magistrates of Limerick had been communicated with on the subject.