§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY (Limerick, W.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can say how the unions in Ireland, as in the county of Limerick, where the one shilling in the £ limit is reached, or nearly so, will be affected by the Labourers (Ireland) Bill; and whether, without increasing the rate limit, more cottages can be built within the unions under it.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) It is expected that in rural districts in which the existing limit is nearly reached, many additional cottages can be built without exceeding that limit. It is not possible at such short notice to make accurate calculations as regards a given district, but it is estimated that the rural districts in the county Limerick would, by reason of the facilities offered in the Labourers Bill, be able to borrow further sums, amounting to from £20,000 to £25,000 without exceeding the existing limit. I may also refer the hon. Member to Clause 12 of the Bill.