§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIEN (Mayo, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received a copy of a Resolution from the Magistrates and cesspayers of the Costello barony, assembled at Presentment Sessions at Ballyhaunis, 25th November, 1890, requesting the Government to institute and grant loans for drainage and other works, and thus give employment to the labouring classes of the district, who are suffering owing to the failure of the potato crop; whether he has considered the matter of this Resolution; and what he proposes to do to prevent the awful consequences which must ensue if action to meet the emergency be not promptly taken?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR, Manchester, E.)The hon. Gentleman is probably aware that I indicated to a Committee of this House on Thursday last that the Government intend to offer loans for relief works. The Memorial referred to by the hon. Member has been received, and as, in all other cases, will be considered.