§ MR. REARDENsaid, he rose to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland, If any, and what steps have been taken by Her Majesty's Government for the immediate relief of the almost famine-stricken poor in extensive districts of the West of Ireland?
LORD NAAS,in reply, said the Question did not correctly describe the state of things which existed in the West of Ireland. In one district there was considerable distress, and in consequence of the lateness of the spring the poor people had been obliged to purchase out of their limited resources food for their cattle. And in some places cattle had actually died in consequence of the distress which prevailed there. He was happy to say that the Boards of Guardians had acceded to the request of the Government and had afforded all the assistance they could under the circumstances. Under the Act of last 941 Session the Government had authorized the expenditure of between £7,000 and £8,000 for public works, which would be immediately commenced, and it was hoped it would have the effect of alleviating the distress. The subject would continue to receive the most anxious attention of the Government.