§ MR. PIMasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether it is the intention of the Government to propose in this Session of Parliament any measure dealing with the redistribution of seats in Ireland, or whether they propose to fill up the vacancies arising from the disfranchisement of the boroughs of Sligo and Cashel before the next General Election, either by giving representation to two of the larger towns now unrepresented or in any other manner?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONThe Government are of opinion that a measure dealing with the redistribution of seats in Ireland is required, and I hope it may be possible for the present Parliament to consider such a measure before its dissolution. We do not, however, see any hope of being able to give sufficient time to the consideration of that measure during the present Session. As we think that if the thing is done at all it should be done in a complete manner, we do not propose to make any suggestion to the House as to the disposal of the two vacant seats arising from the disfranchisement of the boroughs of Sligo and Cashel.