§ MR. BODKIN (Roscommon, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been called to the case of Michael Boland, of Bunnygaddy, Curraghroe, Strokestown, who applied to the Board of Works for a loan of £35 for the drainage and improvement of his holding, which he had purchased under Lord Ashbourne's Act; is he aware that 303 the proposed works were duly inspected and approved of by the Local Government Board Inspector, and the applicant directed to proceed with same, on the understanding that the loan would be forthcoming; is he aware that, when the first instalment became payable, the loan was refused by the Board of Works on the ground that the applicant could do the required works by the labour of his own family, though he has but one son living with him whose labour would be so available, and the great bulk of the work should be paid for; is he aware that great dissatisfaction has been occasioned by similar action in other cases on the part of the Board of Works; and will he direct the facts of this particular case to be reconsidered, with the view of granting this loan to Michael Boland?
THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. T. HIBBEKT,) Oldham(who replied) said: I am informed that the applicant was neither directed nor authorised to proceed with the works, and the Board of Works Inspector denies that he ever instructed him to do so. He reported that the works were calculated to improve the holding, but that most of them could be done by the applicant or his family. No instalment became payable, as the loan was never granted. The applicant has produced no evidence to show that the great bulk of the work would have to be paid for. The Board of Works are not aware of any general dissatisfaction caused by the policy adopted Each case is treated on its merits. I am not aware of any circumstances which would suggest a reconsideration of the case.
§ MR. BODKINIs it not the fact that when the Inspector approved of the works, the ordinary course of procedure would have been for the work to be at once commenced, the understanding being that the loan would be granted. Was anything contrary stated to this man on the occasion of the Inspector's visit?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTI cannot say what the man was led to understand. The fact is, the Inspector, while approving the proposed works, said the applicant could do them by the labour of his family.
§ MR. BODKINBut was not the man led to expect that the loan would be granted to him?
§ SIR J. T. HIBBERTI am unable to say that.