§ Mr. SHEEHANasked whether he is aware that there are large bodies of rural workers and artisans in Ireland to whom the benefits of the Labourers' Acts in the matter of better housing do not apply; whether the masses of these men and their families are compelled to live in dwellings which are unfit for human habitation, and for which exorbitant rents are charged; and, seeing that no legislative machinery exists for providing them with better housing accommodation, will he extend the definition of an agricultural labourer so as to include them, or propose some special legislation which will put them at least on the same footing as those workmen and artisans for whose housing needs urban councils and town commissioners are empowered to cater?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe object of the Labourers' Bill now awaiting Second Reading is merely to continue the benefits of the existing Acts to the persons qualified under them to obtain cottages, and who have not yet been provided with 1513 them. That this class stands in need of proper cottage accommodation is undoubted. Having regard to the financial provisions of these Acts it would be impossible to extend them in the manner suggested.
§ Mr. SHEEHANCan the right hon. Gentleman state whether any special legislation will be introduced?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am not at present in a position to suggest the introduction of any special legislation.
§ Mr. SHEEHANDoes the right hon. Gentleman think the necessity exists for such legislation?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI believe the necessity for it exists all over the world, as well as in Ireland. There can be no doubt about it.