§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the meeting recently held of the Rosscarbery Dispensary Committee, when a resolution was passed in which they draw attention to the rapidly increasing distress in the district, and earnestly ask the Government to give the grant for the completion of the Rosscarbery Railway, and thus afford employment to the inhabitants of the district: and whether the Government can see their way to comply with this request?
§ MR. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the question may I, as having had considerable experience officially in connection with the Fisheries Board in the Rosscarbery district, ask him earnestly to favourably consider this matter?
*MR. J. MORLEYI have received a copy of the resolution referred to, and am informed by the Local Government 319 Board that inquiry was made into the condition of the district on the 10th instant, and that they see no reason for altering the opinion communicated in my reply to a somewhat similar question addressed by the hon. Member on the 23rd March—namely, that there is no exceptional distress at present in the locality, and that the ordinary Poor Law is sufficient to meet any poverty which exists. With regard to the railway, I regret that no grant can be made, as there are no funds available under the Act of 1889.
§ MR. W. REDMONDMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it has come to his knowledge that there is in the district a great deal of dissatisfaction owing to the statement he made that there is no exceptional distress? Is it not the fact that the Local Government Board Inspector did not visit the district whore the distress is alleged to exist? In view of the strong opinion of the Board of Guardians, will the right hon. Gentleman direct the Inspector to again visit Ross-carbery?