§ MR. S. YOUNG (Cavan, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(1) whether he is aware of the strong complaints made by the trades unions and artisans of Belfast of the inadequate accommodation afforded to the citizens by the present arrangements of registry offices for the registration of births, marriages, and deaths in Belfast, which are at present open in each district for only one hour each day; and, (2) whether the Local Government Board will take into consideration the 1241 desirability of abolishing the six districts now in. existence, and of establishing one central registry office which shall be kept open from 10 to 4 daily?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralThe Registrar General has received a communication from the Trades and Labour Council of Belfast to the effect stated in the first paragraph. The arrangements for registration in Belfast would appear, so far as I can judge, to compare not unfavourably with those in force in Dublin, and the Registrar General points out that the establishment of one central office, as suggested, would be productive of great inconvenience, as working men would, in many cases, be obliged to travel considerable distances to reach the central office, and would lose part of their wages in attending during the hours named. If, however, it is shown that in any particular district the attendance at present given by the local officer is inadequate, the Registrar General will be prepared to direct that additional facilities be afforded.