§ COLONEL COLTHURSTasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he will consider the advisability of extending the power to issue out-door relief (under section 3, Belief of Distress Act) for twelve months, from 1st March, 1881?
§ MR. W. E. FORSTERSir, the hon. and gallant Member asks me whether it is necessary: to continue the power to issue out-door relief under the Relief of Distress Act? The question is under the serious consideration of the Government. The hon. and gallant Member is probably aware that by the Belief of Distress Act there is power to make Orders until the end of April. At present, I do not feel it would be necessary to extend the power. There would be very grave objections to it unless in case of real necessity; but we must watch the state of the country.