§ MR. JAMES O'CONNORI beg to ask Mr. Attorney General for Ireland whether he is aware that the Loan Fund Board for Ireland have in, several of their annual reports laid stress upon the consequences which have resulted from the fact that legislation necessary to ensure the proper supervision and management of loan funds had been delayed for many years; and, seeing that the necessity for such legislation was laid before Parliament in the year 1855 by a Select Committee appointed to take evidence and to report upon the subject, whether he can state the reasons why the requirements of the Loan Fund Board have not been given effect to by legislation.
§ MR. ATKINSONThe reply to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. I am unable to explain the inaction of previous Governments over a period which dates as far back as 1855, but I may point out that in the past year a Bill was introduced and passed, the object of which was to meet the most pressing of the difficulties of the existing position. This legislation has already secured satisfactory results. The general policy to be adopted in connection with the loan fund system is a matter which deserves careful consideration, and I am not prepared to say when, or on what lines, it may eventually be dealt with by the Government.
§ MR. DILLONIs this matter receiving the careful consideration of the Irish Government?
§ MR. ATKINSONIt is receiving, it has received, and it shall receive it.
§ MR. JAMES O'CONNORHas not the Government been engaged in considering it since 1855?
§ MR. ATKINSONI cannot say what the Government of half a century ago did.