§ MR. DEASYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, What course the Government intend to pursue in order to alleviate the distress and save the people from starvation in the islands off the coast of Mayo?
THE CHIEF SECRETAEY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY)My attention was drawn to the state of affairs in some of the islands off the West Coast of Ireland, immediately on my assumption of Office, and I have since given the subject a good deal of consideration. It is unfortunately true that much distress prevails, and the situation needs to be carefully watched; but we have come to the conclusion that 1027 the state of affairs does not indicate any present necessity for the Government to supplement the provisions of the law for the relief of the poor. We shall, of course, at the same time further, by every means in our power, any voluntary effort that may be made to ameliorate the condition of these islanders.