§ MR. FLYNNI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of the Dublin Mansion House Committee for the relief of distress in the south and west of Ireland to the effect that the acute distress, which is not universal, but which exists in Ireland west of the ninth degree of longitude, unless generously relieved, is likely to become more acute during the spring and early summer months; and whether, in view of this condition of things affecting a large area, the Government will adopt additional means of relief beyond those already promised?
§ MR. M. DAVITT (Mayo, S.)At the same time I will ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Dublin Mansion House Relief Committee has issued a statement asserting that the existing acute distress in certain localities in the west of Ireland is likely to become still more acute during the spring and 1068 summer months unless generously relieved; and whether he intends to take any further steps in the way of additional relief works or other adequate means to lighten the burthen of this affliction?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURIn answer to these Questions, my attention has been drawn to the statement of the Dublin Mansion House Committee, which is to the effect mentioned. The pressure for relief, especially in periods of distress, always increases during the spring and early summer months. The Government will be prepared to contribute to the cost of relieving any additional number of persons who may be ascertained to be in need of relief as the spring advances.