MR. MACARTNEYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether considering the great disproportion which prevails between the number of union workhouses at present existing in Ireland and the number of paupers requiring relief therein, Her Majesty's Government have it in contemplation to promote, through the Local Government Board in that Country, the amalgamation of Poor Law Unions, so as to reduce the number of workhouses and the consequent unnecessarily high poor rates now levied upon property in Ireland?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHSir, the number of paupers now receiving relief in Irish workhouses is in many 516 cases much below the accommodation provided, and it is possible that a considerable diminution in the expenditure for establishment charges might be effected by the amalgamation of some Poor Law Unions, and a consequent reduction in the number of workhouses. But the average area of Irish Unions is already much larger than that of the English Unions, and in considering any proposal for their amalgamation it would be very necessary to bear in mind not only the economical side of the question, but also the retention of proper facilities for the administration of relief to the sick and destitute poor, and for securing the attendance of Guardians at the meetings of the Boards. The Government do not contemplate the formation of a general scheme for amalgamation of Unions, but the Local Government Board will be prepared to consider on its merits any proposal for the amalgamation of neighbouring Unions which may be brought before them by the Guardians of such Unions.
MR. MACARTNEYgave Notice that he would early next Session move for the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the subject.