HC Deb 22 February 1898 vol 53 cc1370-1
MR. T. D. SULLIVAN (Donegal, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that extreme destitution exists in Tory Island, off the coast of Donegal, where several families have consumed their whole stock of potatoes, and, being quite destitute of means to purchase food, would starve but for the aid of neighbours almost equally indigent; and whether, communication with the island in the present stormy weather being almost entirely cut off, and the stock of meal in that place being nearly exhausted, he will direct that the promptest measures shall be taken to afford relief to the islanders who are in so perilous a condition?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

The inquiries made as to the state of the crops in the Union of Dunfanaghy, comprising Tory Island, disclosed the fact that the loss of the potato crop was not considerable. The Local Government Board's Inspector has been instructed to proceed to Tory Island as soon as possible, and to take measures to see that relief is afforded to any of the islanders who are in the condition of destitution alleged in the question.