§ MR. O'DOWD (Sligo, S.)On behalf of the hon. Member for North Leitrim, who has once again been arrested under the Coercion Act, I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware of the overlapping and confusion that exist in Ireland in respect to congested areas, where County Councils levy a rate under the Agriculture and Technical Education Act, and where the proceeds of such rate, if applied in the congested areas, cannot be supplemented by proportionate contributions from the Department; and, whether, in view of the fact that the councils of counties, portions of which are congested, have shown themselves ready to raise contributions under the Agriculture and Technical Education Act, he will take steps to amend the existing law so that the Department, the Congested Districts Board, and the County Councils may be enabled to work together.
§ MR. WYNDHAMLegislation has been undertaken this session to remedy the anomaly pointed out. The Bill now awaits the Royal assent. An arrangement has also been made by the Department with the Congested Districts Board providing for a joint contribution towards the cost of approved live-stock schemes in districts which are partly scheduled as congested.
§ MR. O'DOWDIf the suggested arrangement is carried out, will it be made retrospective and apply to districts which have already paid contributions?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI will consider that point.