§ MR. SHEEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether, in view of the friction which haw arisen between many of the Boards of Governors of Irish Lunatic Asylums and the Board of Control. He will take some steps, by legislation or otherwise, to amend or remodel the constitution of the Board of Control so as to render it directly representative of the ratepayers; (2) whether he is aware that the Lunacy Commissioners in England act in a similar capacity to the Irish Board of Control, but, nevertheless, claim no power of veto such as the latter body claims; and (3) whether the Governors of Irish Lunatic Asylums are allowed any discretion as to the extent and nature of the accommodation they may provide for inmates?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe whole question of Lunacy administration in Ireland is one requiring attention, though I cannot promise that I shall be able to deal with the matter in the immediate future. I am not sufficiently acquainted with the Lunacy administration in England to answer the second Question. As regards the third Question, the fullest opportunity is always afforded the local authorities to submit their views on any plans proposed for improved or increased accommodation, and these views receive the most careful consideration of the Board of Control, with the utmost desire to adopt them, so far as they may be found practicable.