§ MR. BYRNE (Wicklow, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the half-yearly Report of Mr. Robinson, Local Government Board Inspector, dated 20th April 1888, on the Baltinglass Union, drawing attention to the engineer's Report on the defective drainage of the workhouse, pointing out that the health of the inmates demanded a prompt and immediate remedy; whether the Guardians are prepared to have this work done at once but, being without funds for this purpose, desire to borrow the money under the Public Health Act or Poor Relief Act; and, whether he will induce the Local Government Board to advance the requisite funds for this urgent outlay?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)My attention has been called to the Report of the Local Government Board Inspector, drawing attention to the defective drainage of the workhouse of the Baltinglass Union. The Board of Guardians are willing to borrow money to remedy the defects, and the Local Government Board are in communication with the Public Works Commissioners, with a view of ascertaining if a loan can be granted.
§ MR. BYRNEMay I ask the right ton. Gentleman whether he is in a position to state when the Land Commission will hold their next sitting in Baltinglass for the fixing of fair rents for Donard and other districts in West Wicklow?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Land Commissioners report that a Sub-Commission is at present sitting in East Wicklow. It will continue its sitting after the Vacation, taking up the West Wicklow district in its turn; but it is not possible at present to give the exact date of the sitting.