HC Deb 25 April 1904 vol 133 c1055
MR. JOHN REDMOND (Waterford)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland when he proposes to introduce the measure dealing with the housing of the working classes in towns in Ireland, promised last session.

MR. WYNDHAM

I am unable to name a day until I see what progress is made with other Irish measures. It is, in my opinion, necessary to pass the Land Bill and Labourers Bill, a Bill for transferring certain savings in the Supreme Court to the Development Grant, and a Departmental Bill rendered obligatory by the scheme for reducing the police force. I undertook to consider the question of housing in towns in addition to the labourers question. The result of consideration convinced me that the latter ought to have priority, but it is doubtful whether any substantial advance can be made in respect of the former at a time when it is impossible either to extend the period of repayment of loans or to lower the interest upon them.

MR. JOHN REDMOND

Does that mean that there will be no Housing Bill introduced this session.

MR. WYNDHAM

It depends partly on the progress made with other measures, and in addition to that it might be prudent to await a more favourable time for dealing with the question.

MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)

Before framing the Bill will the right hon. Gentleman take notice of the resolutions passed by the National Convention?

MR. WYNDHAM

I have not seen them.