§ MR. W. ABRAHAM (Limerick, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to resolutions adopted by Poor Race Collectors in Ireland, with reference to the onerous duties imposed on them in connection 1100 with carrying out the provisions of the Franchise Act, for which no remuneration is provided; and if he can hold out any hope of remedial legislation in the near future?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe attention of the Irish Government has been called to the resolutions referred to, and, as I have already stated, I am quite ready to introduce a Bill to meet the cases of the Poor Law officials where they are at present insufficiently remunerated for their duties under the Franchise Act, if assured that the Bill will meet with the general assent of all Parties in the House. Since making that statement I have received no assurance to that effect. I am, however, prepared to bring in a Bill; but it must be understood that it can only be passed as an unopposed Bill.