§ MR. SLOANTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that on 25th September, 1905, the Moira Rural Council held a local inquiry to consider the representations sent in for erection of 989 labourers' cottages, that out of 108 applications, sixty-eight were rejected, and that ten of those rejected sent in representations to the Local Government Board within twenty-one days from time of rejection, but that no action has been taken; and will he say what steps, if any, does the Local Government Board intend taking in the matter.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Local Government Board are aware that representations alleging the necessity for 129 labourers' cottages were considered by the Moira Rural District Council on the date mentioned, and that sixty-eight were rejected for reasons assigned. Several of the labourers whose applications were rejected complained to the Local Government Board, but generally without adequate cause. The scheme in question was dealt with under the former Labourers Acts. The Local Government Board are now provided, under Section 9 of the new Act, with means which will enable them to secure the making of a suitable scheme in any cases in which a council may fail to deal effectively with the representations made to them.