§ DR. KENNY (Cork, S.)asked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, Whether he is aware that about a month ago a tenant named Kingston was evicted at Menies. County Cork, and that owing to the absence from the eviction of the local relieving officer this man and his family would have been compelled to seek shelter for the night by the roadside, but for the charity of his neighbours; whether Kingston was subsequently admitted to the Skibbereen Workhouse; and, whether he will introduce into the Irish Land Law Bill now before the House such provisions as will ensure the attendance at evictions of the district relieving officer, in order that provisional relief may be afforded to such of the evicted as may require it?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. GIBSON) (Liverpool, Walton), in reply, said, the relieving officer reported that Kingston was evicted on June 10th out of a farm. The relieving officer wont immediately to his house, and Kingston, who did not go to the workhouse, received £1 a-week for four weeks. He was asked to go to the workhouse on the following day, but he refused. Under the existing law 48 hours' notice must be given to the relieving officer of the Electoral Division; and on application by a distressed person he was to admit such person, and, if necessary, provide a conveyance. It was impossible to always have the personal attendance of the relieving officer; but it was that official's duty to take the necessary steps to carry out the necessary regulations.
§ DR. KENNYasked the right hon. and learned Gentleman if he was aware that his Predecessor promised that he would amend the law in this matter?
§ MR. GIBSONsaid, he was aware his Predecessor admitted there was some difficulty in the present law which it might be desirable to amend; but he held out no immediate hope of such Amendment.