§ MR. BLAKE (Longford, S.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Poor Law Superannuation (Ireland) Bill has been referred to the actuary to whom the former Bill was referred, and who reported the total inadequacy, even on very favourable assumptions, of the proposed local rate to meet the proposed liabilities; whether the actuary has expressed any, and what, opinion as to the adequacy of the finance of the present Bill; whether, if not, he will obtain such opinion; whether he has had any correspondence with the promoters of the Bill, or expressed to them any, and what, opinion on itsfinance, and as to his attitude towards the Bill: and whether he will consent to a Return of such correspondence.
§ MR. WYNDHAMOn the 21st of January I informed the promoters that I was unable to suggest any alterations in the draft of the Bill proposed to be introduced this session, which would overcome the objections detailed in the report of the actuary on the Bill of 1901. That Bill differed in no material 855 respect from the draft submitted to me. I also pointed out that the promoters would be well advised to consider the desirability of employing a competent actuary to report to them whether the further measure proposed could not be reconstructed upon a basis which would stand the test of actuarial criticism, and that if this were done they would be in a better position to secure the support of local authorities to their proposals. I am still of opinion that this course should be adopted. I shall be happy to supply the hon. Gentleman with a copy of the correspondence between myself I and the promoters. I do not propose at present to lay it on the Table.