§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDETo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if it is in contemplation to amalgamate any of the Irish unions; and, if so, whether, before any amalgamations are decided upon, local inquiries will be publicly held by an independent tribunal similar to the Appeal Commission under the Local Government Act.
(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The general question of the amalgamation of unions is at present the subject of investigation by the Poor Law Commission appointed in May last. A considerable volume of evidence has already been taken in public by the Commission, but until its Report has been presented I am unable to say whether further inquiry will be necessary before effect can be given to any recommendations made by the Commission.