§ MR. WILLIAM ABRAHAM (Limerick, W.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to the condition of the labourers in the district of Abbeyfeale, union of Newcastle; whether the sanitary authority of the 15 said union prepared a scheme for two hundred labourers' cottages, and forwarded a petition to the Local Government Board to inquire into the scheme on the 15th of April last; whether an inquiry was held in June, and a letter forwarded from the Local Government Board in July, stating that instructions for the preparation of a Provisional Order had been issued; if he will state the reason why this Order is delayed; and, whether he will urge the responsible officials to proceed with the necessary steps to complete the scheme with some degree of expedition?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)It is true that a scheme for the erection of a large number of labourers' cottages was submitted by the Newcastle Guardians in April last, and that some delay has occurred in carrying it out; but this is attributable partly to the extent of the scheme, but mainly to the omission of necessary documents and other irregularities on the part of the Guardians. However, a draft order will be sent to the Guardians by the Local Government Board before their next meeting.