§ CAPTAIN CRAIG (Down, E.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieu- 1630 tenant of Ireland whether when an inquiry is held into any charges which may be made against Poor Law officials in Ireland, an allowance is made by Government to defray the costs of employing the necessary legal assistance by the official concerned, even if the charge be proved to be absolutely unfounded; and, if not, whether he will take steps to amend the law in this respect.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The Answer to both parts of the Question is in the negative. I am not aware of any reason why the Government should pay the costs referred to.