§ MR. BUTTasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether he will consider the advisability of advising the issue during the Recess of a Royal Commission to inquire into the subject of the dwellings of the labouring classes in Ireland?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHSir, I believe that during the last few years labourers' dwellings in Ireland have been greatly and generally improved; but I fear it must still be admitted that their condition is not by any means what could be desired. I have 1198 already paid some attention to this subject, but I am bound to say that I much doubt whether I could recommend to the Government any proposals for legislation which would be likely to have any practical effect with regard to it—unless, perhaps, by some change in the sanitary laws which might make it more easy to deal with dwellings unfit for human habitation. I will consider this point in the Recess, as an opportunity for such action might be found in the Bill to consolidate the Public Health Acts which I hope to introduce again next Session; and I will readily, also, look into the suggestion on the subject which the hon. and learned Member has been good enough to make in his Question.