§ MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, as the Lord Lieutenant's Relief Fund is declared to be an effort of private benevolence, its distribution is to be in trusted to Resident Magistrates, policemen, and Poor Law official or other Government servants?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Distress Fund is, as the hon. Gentleman observes, the outcome of private benevolence; but Lord Zetland and myself, to whom the money has been in trusted, certainly do 612 not consider ourselves as on that account precluded from availing ourselves, and availing ourselves largely, of the voluntary services of officials in organising and carrying out its distribution. Of course, other volunteer assistance will also be extensively employed.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYWill other benevolent persons be able to secure the co-operation of the Constabulary, the Army, and Navy in the distribution of relief?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIf the hon. and learned Member is in possession of any funds which he desires to distribute in relieving distress I shall be happy to give the hon. and learned Member every assistance.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYThe right hon. Gentleman has missed my point. I asked how private individuals can secure this co-operation?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURAnd I have endeavoured to point out a method.