§ Mr. ARTHUR LYNCHasked whether the Chief Secretary has heard complaints from labourers in the Killadysert Union, West Clare, that the provisions for the erection of labourers cottages under The Labourers (Ireland) Act, 1906, are being carried out slowly and with much impediment; and whether he will look into this matter so as to extend the benefits of the Labourers Act more actively and more widely than at present?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board have received two complaints from individual applicants for cottages. An order was made last year authorising the erection of 33 cottages in the district, and 27 of these have been completed or are in course of construction. Fourteen additional cottages were authorised this year, and the arbitration proceedings preliminary to taking possession of the lands have just been completed. Forty-seven cottages have, therefore, been authorised within the last two years as compared with a total of only 52 built between 1883 and 1905. In view of these facts I see no reason for moving in the matter.