§ MR. VINCENT KENNEDY (Cavan, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he has received a memorial from the ratepayers of the Bawnboy and Ballyconnell Electoral Divisions of Bawnboy Union, county Cavan, praying for relief works in the district, in view of the fact that the potato crop, constituting as it does the mainstay and support of the inhabitants of the district, is a total failure this year, will steps be taken to alleviate the lot of these people, and combat the sufferings consequent upon the impending famine.
MR. BRYCEI have received the memorial referred to. The Local Government Board have directed their inspector to visit the electoral divisions mentioned and report upon the circumstances of the people. The hon. Member may rest assured that the question of distress in the parts of Ireland where the potato crop has suffered will not cease to engage the attention of the Government.