§ SIR W. SOMERVILLE, in answer to 327 a question from Mr. STAFFORD, said he had made inquiry with respect to the steps alleged to have been adopted in Cork for the purpose of getting rid of paupers. It had been supposed that force had been resorted to, but that did not appear to be so. The report he had received stated that there had not been any subscription entered into by private individuals for the removal of paupers from that city, and that 100l., granted by the corporation, formed the only fund available for the purpose, and, at the expenditure of 7l. per week, would last for three months. The paupers were not removed on cars, but were kept continually moving in the streets, by which means many of them had been led to leave.
§ MR. E. B. DENISONasked for information on a question respecting which much difference of opinion prevailed—namely, as to the number of ablebodied men in the distressed unions now receiving outdoor relief, and the number of acres of land lately in cultivation, and now lying uncultivated.
§ SIR W. SOMERVILLEcould not give a satisfactory answer to either of the questions. By the returns he had, the total number receiving relief under the 2nd Section was 165,000, but in that would be included women and children. He would endeavour to procure the return as to ablebodied paupers. He had no means of informing his hon. Friend of the quantity of land lying waste.
Subject dropped.