HC Deb 06 September 1887 vol 320 cc1339-40
MR. HARRIS () (for Mr. W. J. CORBET) () Wicklow, E.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, as President of the Local Government Board, Whether it is a fact that the Earl of Wicklow got several schemes for cottages in the Kilbride Division of Rathmines Union thrown out, by undertaking to erect whatever cottages might be required in that Division himself; and, whether he is aware that no cottages have been built by the Earl of Wicklow, in accordance with that undertaking, and that a number of labourers in the Division are consequently unable to obtain house accommodation?

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) () (who replied) Kent, Isle of Thanet

said: The Clerk of Rathdrum Union reports that no scheme was made by the Guardians in regard to building labourers' cottages in the Kilbride Division. Representations had been made for the building of seven cottages in the Division; but an undertaking having been given on behalf of the Earl of Wicklow that he would build whatever cottages were found to be required, the Guardians did not proceed further. The Clerk is aware that the Earl of Wicklow has built a number of labourers' cottages in the Division; but he does not know whether any of them were built subsequent to the undertaking. He is not aware of a number of labourers being unable to obtain house accommodation in the Division. If the hon. Gentleman who puts this Question has any definite information on the subject of the alleged absence of accommoda- tion, and if he will be good enough to communicate it to me, I shall be happy to make further inquiry.