§ MR. P. A. M'HUGHI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received representations from responsible and well-informed persons in regard to the prevalence of acute distress in North Leitrim; is he aware that certain portions of North Leitrim are amongst the poorest and most congested districts in Ireland, and that the intention of the Poor Law Guardians to grant out-door relief would, if availed of, result in still further increasing the burdens of those who are present the poorest and most heavily rated; and does he propose to take any steps to meet the distress at present prevailing in North Leitrim; and, if so, what steps, and when does he propose to move in the matter?
MR. J. MORLEYVery careful inquiries have been made into the representations alleging the existence of distress in North Leitrim, and, while it appears that a number of small landowners are in straitened circumstances, there is not, I am advised, any widespread or abnormal destitution which would necessitate the establishment of relief works. The rates of the Unions comprising the northern part of the County Leitrim are generally very low, and the numbers on relief have not increased as compared with last year. The Local Government Board have authorised the Guardians to give outdoor relief to any destitute persons requiring it, and they think this measure will enable any 168 isolated cases of distress to be dealt with.