§ MR. NOLAN (Louth, N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If it is true that the local inquiry into schemes for the erection of labourers' cottages in Dundalk Union, asked for in August of last year, was not held by the Local Government Board until January of the present year; that the Report of the Inspector who held this inquiry was sent to the Local Government Board some time in February last; that a copy of said Report was sent to the Dundalk Board of Guardians on 16th February; that the Provisional Order for proceeding with the erection of the cottages has not yet been issued by the Local Government Board; and, if so, how is this extraordinary delay accounted for; when will the required order be issued; and, if he is aware that, in the meantime, the poor labourers are forced to live in insanitary houses, many of which are not weather-proof, and so limited in accommodation that in some cases from seven to 10 persons of both sexes and all ages are forced to sleep in the same apartment?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)(who replied) said: Any delay which may have occurred in the proceedings was on the part of the Local Authority. The Local Government Board have, however, now issued the necessary Order. I understand that some of the existing houses are in a very defective and overcrowded condition.