§ MR. KENNEDYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland(l) whether the Local Government Board have yet published a Provisional Order in respect of the Labourers' Acts Inquiry, held by their Inspector at Trim last November; if not, for what cause, and who is responsible for the delay; and (2) how many representations came before that Inquiry, and how many of them have been sanctioned by the Local Government Board?
MR. J. MORLEY(1) The Provisional Order has not yet been published, but it is ready to be issued. A printed draft of the Order was sent to the Guardians on the 16th instant for perusal, and on receipt of their reply the Order will be signed. The delay has been occasioned by the necessity for procuring consents to the taking of certain sites. The first batch of these consents was received by the Local Government Board 24 on the 25th of July, and the remainder on the 8th instant. (2) The number of cottages included in the Guardians' scheme was 162, and the number about to be authorised is 81.
§ MR. KENNEDYDoes the right hon. Gentleman think four years a proper amount of time to be occupied in carrying out these schemes?
MR. J. MORLEYIt seems a long time for an operation of this kind. I am not aware of any other reason than that given for the delay.
§ MR. KENNEDYI have known a case which has taken five years.