§ MR. W. J. CORBET (Wicklow, E.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If his attention 32 has been called to the Return of Evictions for the quarter ending 31st December, 1886, from which it appears that 3,369 persons were evicted during the quarter; that 90 were re-admitted as tenants, and 2,142 as caretakers, leaving 1,137 persons homeless; whether he is aware that evictions are still of daily occurrence; and, whether, in view of the hardships and.sufferings caused to these poor people, many of whom are helpless women and. children, Government will consider if it is possible by any means to put a stop to evictions in midwinter?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)I very much sympathize with the wish expressed in this Question that evictions should, as far as possible, be avoided in midwinter; but I doubt whether it would be practicable entirely to stop them then. But it is satisfactory to notice that the number of evictions, comparatively speaking, has been decidedly low in the quarter ending December 31, 1886; and I may remind the hon. Member that the Guardians are bound to provide shelter and relief for any homeless or destitute persons.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)Would it be possible to establish a close season for evictions?
§ [No reply.]