HC Deb 01 April 1898 vol 55 c1645
MR. DALY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that there are 13 unions in Ireland whose boundaries extend into two counties; and whether, as the population of Ireland has reduced millions since these workhouses were built, he will advise the Government to compulsorily close some of these workhouses when arranging boundaries under the Local Government Bill?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. GERALD W. BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

There are 46 unions in two counties, and 13 which extend into three counties. The unions which might possibly be amalgamated without inconvenience to the sick and destitute are, in very few cases, only those which are intersected by county boundaries. Amalgamation of a certain number of unions is, no doubt, feasible, and Clause 50 (2) of the Bill empowers the Local Government Board, on the application of a county council, and sifter communication with the guardians concerned, to amalgamate unions for the purpose of placing the workhouses at the disposal of the council to serve as auxiliary lunatic asylums.

MR. DALY

The right hon. Gentleman has perhaps not noticed I mentioned the word "compulsorily." Have the Government power to compulsorily close the workhouses, or will he advise that it be given them?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

They already have the power.