§ MR. SLOAN (Belfast, S.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Local Government Board's attention has been called to the correspondence that has taken place over the high death-rate of Belfast; whether houses have been built upon unsanitary sites without let or hindrance; and, if so, who is responsible; and if he will consider the advisability of ordering an inquiry into the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The correspondence on this subject in the local Press has come under the notice of the Local Government Board, but no local representations have yet been received by the Board asking for their interference in the matter. The general suitability of building sites is a matter for the decision of the corporation. The Local Government Board have no functions except in cases in which sites are acquired by the corporation for housing of the working classes; in all such cases a local inquiry is held before a loan is sanctioned. The death-rate from all causes in Belfast is high, but the Board's medical inspector is in communication with the Public Health Committee in reference to the necessity of certain sanitary reforms. An inquiry does not appear to be necessary.