§ MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will inquire into the distress reported to exist in certain portions of County Clare, with a view to the opening of relief works, should such a measure be necessary, to afford employment during the coming winter?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURNo reports of the existence of distress in Clare at the present time have reached the Local Government Board, and I am glad to state that the Board see no reason to anticipate abnormal distress in the county during the coming winter. The condition and prospects of the poorer classes will, however, be carefully reported upon by the Board's Inspector from time to time.