HC Deb 11 April 1905 vol 144 cc1275-6
MR. MURPHY

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, having regard to complaints made as to the failure of the Congested Districts Board to use their powers effectively in the county of Kerry and elsewhere in the South of Ireland, he will now consider the advisability of adding a representative from the South of Ireland on the Board with the view of making their work effective in that part of Ireland.

MR. WALTER LONG

I am not prepared to admit the assumption that the work of the Board has not been effective in the South of Ireland. There is no present vacancy on the Board. When a vacancy occurs, all the existing circumstances will be fully considered.

MR. MURPHY

Is it not the fact that the Board have done nothing in Kerry but purchase two farms? Does the right hon. Gentleman call that effective work?

MR. WALTER LONG

I do not think that that is correct.

MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that complaints are made by public bodies all over Ireland as to the action of this Board?

MR. WALTER LONG

Yes, Sir, since I have been Chief Secretary I have received many complaints.