§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY (Limerick, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can 701 say whether he intends to take any action to amend The Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, whereby local authorities may acquire larger powers than they have hitherto enjoyed under that Act, and so that they may be able to borrow money for the purpose of providing dwelling accommodation for the working classes in the cities and towns in Ireland on the same terms as are provided under the Labourers' (Ireland) Acts for the housing of the working classes in the rural districts.
I beg also to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will take steps to secure for the workers in cities and urban districts in Ireland facilities for the building of artisans' dwellings on the same terms as were given to the labourers in the rural districts in Ireland under the Labourers' Act of 1906, by enabling the local authorities to acquire money for the purpose at 3¼ per cent., principal and interest repayable in 68½ years.
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. BIRRELL,) Bristol, N.A In reply to these two Questions I can only refer to my Answer to the Question on this subject which was put to me yesterday by the hon. Member for North Westmeath. I am not in a position to promise legislation in the matter.
§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYWill the right hon. Gentleman do his best to see that legislation on behalf of the working classes in the towns is brought in next year?
§ MR. BIRRELLI will do my best. I recognise the importance of the subject.