§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that grave dissatisfaction exists in Ireland amongst a large section of the population over that portion of the Local Government Act, 1890, which compels tenants rated under £4 to pay rates in future; and whether he can hold out any hope for a change in that portion of the Act in this or next session.
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURThe Local Government Board have not heard through any sources of information open to them that grave dissatisfaction exists among the occupiers rated under £4, who will now become primarily liable for the poor rate. It is to be borne in mind that these persons will receive a reduction of rent equal to the appropriate standard amount. The answer to the second paragraph is in the negative.