§ MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has observed, in the last Report of the Loan Fund Board of Ireland, that the Board refer to a Report (No. 259) which was laid before Parliament in 1855, explaining the necessity for Loan Fund legislation of the character therein indicated; and, seeing that, in their Reports to Parliament since that time, the Board have called attention to the fact that effect had not been given to the recommendations of the Select Committee of 1855, and have stated that such legislation is needed to enable them to ensure more efficient local management, and for the security of money invested in the societies, and the development of the system, whether it is the intention of the Government to give legislative effect to the recommendations of the Select Committee.
§ MR. WYNDHAMLegislation dealing with the Loan Fund System is undoubtedly required; but whether such legislation should follow the lines recommended in a Report forty-seven years old is a matter open to great doubt. In any case, I cannot give a pledge to introduce legislation during the present session.
§ MR. JAMES O'CONNORWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of introducing a Bill as soon as possible?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI will consider that, but I cannot hold out any hope for this session.