MR. MAC NEILL (Donegal, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he was aware that in the entire coast line and the mountainous districts of the county of Donegal, the failure of the potato crop of last year had been as complete as in 1879; that the present occupiers of those districts had little if any seeds, potatoes, or oats; and that the quality of the seed potatoes is very inferior; had his attention been directed to the sworn testimony of Sergeant Kenny, Royal Irish Constabulary, at the trial of Mr. John Kelly, at Bunbeg, Gweedore, in March last, who deposed that last year's crop of potatoes was the worst he had ever seen, after a residence of 14 years in the county of Donegal; was he aware that ordinary seed potatoes, which were usually sold at 2d. or 2½d. per stone, were now being sold at 6d. per stone, and that if the people were able to buy seed potatoes in sufficient quantities, the supply could not be procured in those districts for any money; and whether, in view of these facts, the Government intended to take any steps to guard against the impending famine in Donegal?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.In the county of Donegal seed potatoes are not plentiful. The 1887 crop was exceptionally good. The 1888 crop was below the average, but variable. The October crop was good. The price of seed potatoes ranges from 4d. 1560 to 6d. So far as can be ascertained, no special destitution or prospect of famine exists in the neighbourhood, or distress with which the ordinary Poor Law is unable to cope.
MR. MAC NEILLThese statements have been made not only to myself, but to other hon. Members, and they come from the parish priests of the locality, who all testify to the appalling condition of the people I am afraid that if inquiry only is to be made it will be too late.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI have instituted inquiries to the best of my ability, and I think that the distress, if it had been as great as the hon. Gentleman imagines, would have shown itself in a more marked manner by its effects in the Poor Law districts.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)Has the right hon. Gentleman any objection to send a Commissioner to investigate and report?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Local Government Board did make a Report some time ago, and they adhere to the substance of that Report.