§ MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in the Electoral Division of Meelick, Swinford Union, County Mayo, where the poor rate is 3s. 1d. in the pound, and great congestion and distress exist, the poor have had no employment on relief works since March; and what steps will be taken to assist them?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.The hon. Member who puts this question appears to be under some misapprehension, for while it is a fact that no relief work has been opened in the Electoral Division named, a number of persons belonging to that Electoral Division are employed on works in adjoining divisions. Inquiries are also proceeding as to the eligibility of others there for such employment. I may mention that the poor rate in the division is 2s. 11d., not 3s. 1d., in the £1.
§ MR. SEXTONMy information comes from the Chairman of the Poor Law Board, who says that the relief works do not supply adequate relief for this particular division.
§ MR. COLLERY (Sligo Co., N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he has received copy of resolution, passed at a meeting of the Cliffiony Dispensary Committee 13th May, 1891, in which they urgently petition the Chief Secretary for Ireland to start at once some public works in the electoral divisions of Cliffony North and Cliffony South; and represent that if such works are not started, deaths will occur from starvation; and if it is his intention to take any action in the matter?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURA copy of the resolution referred to does not appear to have been received; but the districts mentioned have had the attention of the Government. Many families in Cliffony North are already receiving aid from the Irish Distress Fund, and the cases of others are at the present time the subject of inquiry.