§ MR. FLYNNI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the reports appearing in the Irish papers of the extension of the potato blight, and the almost complete failure of that crop, in the seaboard and other districts of Cork, Kerry, Water-ford, Clare, Limerick, Galway, Donegal, and other counties; and if the Government have any information to lay before the House?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe attention of the Government has been drawn, through the Press and other sources, to the indications of potato disease which have appeared in Ireland. We are carefully watching the matter, both through the agency of the Local Government and the Land Commission. Anything that can be legitimately done to mitigate any suffering caused by the potato disease shall be done.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been drawn to the Reports made by the Inspectors of the Local Government Board on this subject. It is there stated that the prospects are alarming in the extreme. I would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will lay on the Table copies of the Reports already made by the Inspectors; and whether he will give the House an assurance that the Board will take steps to anticipate the possible famine?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo, Sir. I cannot give an undertaking that the Local Government Board will anticipate any calamity that is likely to occur, but I will undertake to say that they will watch events, and anything which can be done to mitigate the suffering which may be caused shall be done. The Reports have been of an informal character, but if the hon. Gentleman wants a formal Report it shall be made.
§ MR. FLYNNWill the right hon. Gentleman give instructions to the Local Government Board to give authority to the Boards of Poor Law Guardians to deal with the question of outdoor relief in a more liberal manner than hitherto?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI can give no undertaking of that kind. It would be a very grave step indeed, and I see no reason at this moment to anticipate that this will be necessary.