§ MR. JOYCEI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the discontent in Ireland, owing to the condition of the housing of the working classes, he will consider the advisability of introducing a measure for cheapening and facilitating the borrowing of loans in cities, towns, and urban districts, so as to enable the councils of such places to borrow money at the same rates as now obtain under the Agricultural Labourers (Ireland) Act of last year, and thus be enabled to proceed with this necessary work which under present conditions they are unable to do.
§ MR. BIRRELLI have nothing at present to add to the statement made by my predecessor last session, namely, that it is the intention of the Government, at a convenient opportunity, to consider whether any Amendment of the law relating to the housing of the working classes in the towns of Ireland may be necessary.
§ MR. BIRRELLThat may be. I am greatly embarrassed by the promises of my predecessors.