MR. P. A. MCHUGH (Sligo, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state what action has been taken by local authorities with regard to the representations for the erection of forty-eight labourers' cottages which were forwarded by the Estates Commissioners to the Local Government Board and district councils in the period from November 1st, 1903, 1383 to March 31st, 1905, under Section 96 of the Land Act of 1903.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I am informed that, as a general rule, no action J has been taken by the rural district councils concerned in relation to such representations. In a few instances the consideration of the matter has been postponed until the council are making a new improvement scheme under the Labourers Acts, as the expense of making; and carrying through a scheme for one or two cottages included in a representation would be entirely out of proportion to the result. To remedy this defect, a clause I has been inserted in the Bill now before Parliament, providing that the representation shall practically be a scheme taking effect forthwith where the Local Government Board so order. A table will be appended to the Board's Annual Report for 1905–6, showing up to March 31st last the name of each rural district affected, the nature of the representations made, and the action, if any, taken thereon.