§ MR. VESEY KNOXI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether there has been any decrease in the overcrowding in Derry Asylum which led the board of control on grounds of humanity to require the erection of a new asylum; whether, though the land has been acquired, and the plans prepared, and a resolution passed by the asylum governors in favour of inviting tenders, the board of control now decline to allow any steps to be taken for the provision of more humane treatment for the lunatics; and whether the board of control have considered whether the circumstances are such that after the passing of the Local Government Bill the Lord Lieutenant would be obliged under its provisions to require the erection of a new asylum?
§ MR. ATKINSONThe reply to the first paragraph is in the negative. In accordance with the resolution adopted by the asylum governors, the board of control have directed the completion of the plans for the new asylum, and the preparation of the necessary specifications. This portion of the work will necessarily occupy a considerable time. The board of control will cease to exist on the passing of the Local Government Bill, and, they have not considered the question whether the Lord Lieutenant will take any action after the Bill has received the Royal Assent. The new county council will have to provide funds for the building of the new asylum.