§ MR. DWYER GRAYasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, as President of the Irish Local Government Board, If any circular will 1214 be issued to local authorities in Ireland relative to out-door relief similar to that recently issued by the English Local Government Board; and, whether, in view of the distress and want of employment in Ireland, local authorities will be permitted to grant out-door relief there on similar conditions to those upon which it may be granted in England?
THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. JOHN MORLEY)The Irish Local Government Board have already much information on the subject of the prevailing distress, from communications made to them by Boards of Guardians and others, and from the Reports of their Inspectors, and they do not think it necessary, at present, to issue a Circular. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that, under existing powers, out-door relief cannot be afforded to able-bodied men while there is room in the workhouse; but, as I have previously stated, the situation is most carefully watched, and we shall not hesitate to ask for further powers if the necessity should unfortunately arise.