§ Mr. DILLONasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that some time ago the Omagh Urban Council promoted a scheme for the erection of artisans' dwellings and the acquisition of other such dwellings within their district, and that the Local Government Board inquiry into this scheme was held so far back as the first week of March last, and that there was at that inquiry evidence of the most appalling condition of the housing of the working classes in that town; and whether, seeing that there has been no Report or Provisional Order since made, he will say what is the cause of the delay, in view of the need for a remedy for the existing state of affairs?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe application before the Local Government Board in this case is not for a Provisional Order, but for sanction to a loan. Owing to the great pressure in consequence of the number of schemes promoted under the Housing Act of 1908 by the various local authorities, the Board have not yet found it practicable to deal with the report of the inspector, but they hope to be in a position to communicate their decision to the Council in the course of a few days.
§ Mr. DILLONWill the right hon. Gentleman use his influence to get this scheme agreed to? It is very urgent.
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have no doubt.