HC Deb 28 February 1895 vol 31 cc28-9
MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether his attention has been called to the case of William O'Brine, of Lurganshannagh, Mullhaney, in the electoral division of North Clonleigh, Union of Strabane, whose house was inspected under the Labourers Acts, and his application, founded on a duly signed representation, investigated by Mr. Kelly, the Local Government Board Inspector; whether he is aware that, consequent upon O'Brine's application for a cottage, his landlord gave him notice to quit his house and refused him employment, whereby he was compelled to go into the Letterkenny Union adjoining; and whether the Local Government Board will allow the Labourers Acts to be evaded in this regard by this means.

MR. J. MORLEY

The case of the person named in the question was duly investigated by the Local Government Board's Inspector, who, however, found that the applicant did not reside at the place at which he was represented to reside, nor in the electoral division of Clonleigh North, for over twelve months past. No further action, therefore, was taken upon this representation, as it was informal. I have no information on the matter referred to in the second paragraph, but I would point out to my hon. and learned Friend that the Local Government Board cannot prevent the service of notices to quit.

MR. MICHAEL AUSTIN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that at an inquiry held under the Labourers Acts at Newcastle West, on the 21st August last, the Inspector of the Local Government Board approved of the erection of 24 cottages under the scheme; and what is the cause of the delay in not giving effect to the recommendation?

MR. J. MORLEY

The number of cottages recommended by the Inspector was 24, as stated. Objection, however, was raised by the guardians of some of the electoral divisions concerned to the sites proposed for four of the cottages, and it is expected that this point will be arranged in a day or two. The order in respect of the scheme is drafted, and will be issued immediately on this matter being definitely settled.