HC Deb 08 July 1909 vol 7 cc1403-4
Mr. JOYCE

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he now had any further information with regard to the action of a section of the members of the Limerick (No. 1) District Council in preventing the erection of the two labourers' cottages at Lisnagry which were passed by the inspector in February, 1908; and whether, owing to the tactics adopted by some members of the district council, the Irish Local Government Board would at once have the Act put in force by ordering the erection of the cottages without delay and hold a full inquiry into all the circumstances connected with this case?

Mr. BIRRELL

I understand that the rural district council at their meeting on the 3rd instant decided, by 16 votes to 4, to adhere to their resolution abandoning the erection of the two cottages in question. The Local Government Board intend to call the attention of the council to the duty imposed on them by the Labourers Acts of carrying into execution their improvement scheme, as confirmed.

Mr. JOYCE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these two men are living in hovels unfit for human habitation, and that it is only out of deference to two rich graziers that the erection of these two cottages is not proceeded with?

Mr. BIRRELL

I cannot answer for the action of the council by 16 votes to 4. All I can do is to call their attention to the fact that there is a statutory duty imposed upon them to carry into execution the scheme as confirmed.

Mr. JOYCE

I hope the Local Government Board will insist upon their carrying it out.