§ MR. MULHOLLAND (Londonderry, N.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that, in Ulster, previous to the 31st of March, 1887, the Boards of Guardians had not carried out a single improvement scheme under the Labourers' Acts of 1885 and 1886; whether it is also a fact that, at the present time, only one scheme has been sot on foot in County Antrim, two in County Cavan, one in County Monaghan, and none in the remaining counties of Ulster; and, whether it is the intention of the Government to take action, either by legislation or otherwise, for the purpose of securing decent houses with allotments to deserving labourers in Ireland, by providing for the proper administration of these Acts?
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY (Colonel KING-HARMAN) (Kent, Isle of Thanet)(who replied) said: the facts are as stated in the first two paragraphs, with the exception that a scheme was set on foot in the County Donegal in Ballyshannon Union, but which fell through. As regards the last portion of the Question, it cannot be said, so far as Ireland in general is concerned, that the Labourers' Acts have failed in their professed object of providing bettor dwellings for agricultural labourers and their families, although in the case of Ulster the number of applications has been limited. Since the Acts first came into operation, in 1883, the Local Government Board have authorized the provision of 10,040 houses, while applications in regard to 2,158 are now under consideration. It is competent for ratepayers to make representations as to the want of labourers' dwellings in any district or as to the unsanitary condition of those which exist; and the Guardians, if 1425 satisfied of the truth, of the representations, shall make schemes for the improvement of the district.