§ MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received any reports in reference to the failure of the potato crop in East Clare; and whether the Government intends to take any steps in view of the probability of considerable distress being felt in various portions of Ireland this winter?
THE CHIEF SECRETARYRepresentations have been received in reference to the partial failure of the potato crop in East Clare, but no reports have, so far, reached me showing that there is at present any exceptional demand for relief in that district. The restrictions on outdoor relief have been relaxed in the Union of Scariff, and should it become apparent at any time that the relief is likely to impose a heavier burden on the ratepayers than they might reasonably be expected to meet, the Government will be prepared to assist the Guardians financially, on condition of their adopting the labour test. I have already explained, in outline, the steps taken by Government to alleviate distress in the West of Ireland.