§ MR. FARRELL (Kerry, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has 1229 received a resolution from the Kenmare Board of Guardians, asking the Government to contribute at least a portion of the money necessary to meet the outdoor relief expenses of the union; and whether, owing to the very heavy rate levied by county cess and poor rate in the union, the request of the guardians will be granted?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURThe resolution referred to has been received. The outdoor relief afforded under the relaxed rules in the Kenmare Union would amount to less than 1d. in the £, and the Local Government Board do not consider that any undue burden will be placed on the ratepayers having to meet the extra charge in respect of in-maintenance and outdoor relief, in consequence of the distress which prevailed last winter in certain parts of the union. The guardians of this union were on several occasions offered financial aid in relieving the poor if they would adopt a labour test, but they declined to avail themselves of the offer and preferred to afford relief without imposing any test of destitution. Their present application is not one that can be entertained.