MR. O'CONNOTR POWERasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If, considering the exceptional state of the Swinford Poor Law Union, as evidenced in the reports of the Local Government Board Inspector, Major Spaight, and the inability of the impoverished tenant-farmers who incurred liabilities to the guardians during the distress of 1880 to meet their obligations, the Government will consider the advisability of introducing a short Bill for their relief, and also for the relief of distressed tenant farmers similarly circumstanced in other unions?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTER, in reply, said, the hon. Member was, doubtless, aware that Swinford Union was scheduled under the Act of last year. The ad- 1402 vances made by the Guardians to farmers and others were ordered to be collected in four annual instalments. During the past year Swinford Union had been largely aided by grants. The condition of the Union required constant attention, and the Local Government Board had been giving constant attention to it. He did not think any further Bill was necessary at present.