§ MR. KNOX (Cavan, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether an application was made to the Guardians of the Cavan Union, six years ago, by 200 labourers to have the Labourers Acts put in force in that union; how many similar applications have been made in other unions in the County Cavan; how many schemes have been drawn up by the Guardians in the different unions of that county; how many cottages have been provided under the Acts in that county; and whether, considering the insufficiency of the present law to provide for the better housing of the labourers, ho will expedite the further stages of the Labourers (Ireland) Bill?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIn the year 1885 representations wore made to the Guardians of Cavan Union, seeking for the erection of over 200 cottages; but by reason of informality there was a delay. In 1887 the Guardians received fresh representations and proposed schemes for 85 cottages, of which 23 were approved. With reference to other unions in the County of Cavan, the Local Government Board cannot say how many representations have been made to the Guardians; and as several unions are situated partly in and partly out of the county, they cannot say what portion of the schemes submitted to them related to the County Cavan alone; but they have authorised the erection of 144 labourers' houses in that county, exclusive of the 23 above mentioned in the Union of Cavan.
§ MR. CLANCYThe right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last paragraph of the question.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI believe that the opinions of Her Majesty's Government on that subject are well known.