COLONEL NOLANI beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland if his attention has been drawn to resolutions by the Tuam and the Glanamaddy Boards of Guardians pointing out the want of employment and the consequent distress to be apprehended from the shortness of last year's potato crop in those districts; and if he will soon institute in these districts local works of the character described in the Relief of Distress Bill?
§ MR. MADDENThe reply to the inquiry in the first paragraph is in the affirmative. The condition of the Unions in question is engaging the careful attention of the Government. But I am not in a position at present to enter into details.
§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)How soon will it be convenient to the Government to make a general statement as to the steps they have taken to relieve distress in Ireland?
§ MR. MADDENI understand it will be necessary to ask for a Vote in addition to the nominal sum already voted, and the taking of that Vote would be the most convenient occasion for my right hon. Friend to make a general statement as to the character and extent of the work undertaken.
§ MR. J. MORLEY (Newcastle-upon-Tyne)Would it be possible to lay on the Table of the House, before the Vote is asked for, the terms of the railway contracts?
§ MR. MADDENI will communicate with my right hon. Friend.