§ MR. J. DEVLIN (Belfast, W.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that five applications for labourers' cottages in Hannahstown and Englishtown have been lodged with the clerk of the Belfast Union for the last two years in respect of labourers in No. 1 Rural District Council, Belfast; whether repeated letters to the council with regard to these applications have failed to elicit any definite reply; and whether he will direct the Local Government Board to inquire into the matter.
§ MR. BIRRELLThe fact is as stated in the first part of the Question. The Local Government Board have no information as to any default of the council in replying to letters addressed to them on the subject. The Board, however, are about to communicate with the council with a view to having the proceedings expedited.