§ CAPTAIN CRAIG (Down, E.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the amount of outdoor relief paid in the Poor Law union of Listowel in the year 1880 was £8, whereas for 1905 it was £3,063 14s. 4d., and for 1906 £3,078 17s. 4d.; whether he can explain this increase; and whether, in view of the statement of the auditor in his last Report as to the burden which this amount is on the ratepayers, he will appoint a Commission to inquire into this increase in outdoor relief in the interests of the ratepayers.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I am informed that the figures set out in the Question are substantially correct. The Local Government Board have called the attention of the board of guardians to the great increase in the expenditure on outdoor relief in order that the guardians may exercise greater economy in the matter. The Board have also referred the observations of their auditor on the subject to the guardians for their consideration. It is, however, to be remembered that it is within the discretion of the board of guardians to administer outdoor relief to certain classes of persons. The appointment of a Commission to inquire into the matter does not appear to be necessary, especially as the sphere of the present Royal Commission extends to Ireland.