§ Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDasked the Chief Secretary if he can state when the report of the inquiry into the housing scheme for the town of Ennis will be made; and whether he will represent to the Local Government Board the urgency of this question in the interests of the working people of Ennis?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe inquiry in question was only held on 23rd June. During the preceding fortnight the same inspector held five other inquiries into housing schemes, each of which would seem to demand attention as urgently as the Ennis scheme. This last scheme will be dealt with by the Local Government Board in its due order as soon as practicable.
§ Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDIn view of the statement of the right hon. Gentleman that many of those schemes were as urgent as the Ennis scheme, may I ask whether his attention has been called to the evidence at the Ennis inquiry by representatives of all classes and clergymen of all denominations as to the deplorable condition of the houses in the town of Ennis, and as to the strong necessity there is from every point of view of providing better dwellings for the working people?
§ Mr BIRRELLYes, I have seen that evidence; but I am sorry to say that evidence of the same character was given at the other inquiries. The matter is one of great importance.
§ Mr. JOYCEMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman does not think it would be a good thing to expedite the granting of these loans as being one of the very best means of combating the dreaded disease of tuberculosis, of which we hear so much in Ireland?
§ Mr. BIRRELLYes, Sir. The expedition of the loans is always in itself most desirable.