HC Deb 09 March 1891 vol 351 cc490-1
DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the distress alleged to exist in Achill; that many of the inhabitants are on the brink of starvation; whether he is aware that only a small proportion of the islanders have had relief work given them, these being obliged in numerous instances to travel very long distances to and from work; that the supply of seed potatoes has run short; that many of them have been found to be rotten, and that in many cases the good ones have been consumed for food; and whether any steps will be taken to remedy the alleged faults in relief of distress in Achill?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I am unable to add anything to the reply which I gave on the same subject on Thursday last to the hon. Member for Darlington.

DR. TANNER

Is it the fact that persons in this district have to travel 8 or 10 miles in order to get the relief at present supplied?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I cannot, without notice, give the exact distances travelled; but all those for whom the relief work is intended can, I believe, obtain it.

DR. TANNER

If I supply the right hon. Gentleman with instances, will he institute an inquiry?

MR. A. J. BALFOUR

Certainly.