HC Deb 14 May 1912 vol 38 cc973-4
Mr. LYNCH

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the condition of many of the dwelling-houses in Kilrush, West Clare, having been certified by medical authorities as insanitary and dilapidated, and unfit for habitation, the urban council of Kilrush promoted a scheme for providing cottages in an open field adjacent to the town; that an inspector sent down by the Local Government Board was satisfied by the evidence of the need of these cottages, of the unanimous desire of the local authorities that they should be built, and of the satisfactory character of the scheme propounded; that thereupon the urban council applied to the Local Government Board for a loan of £5,000 in order to carry out the scheme, and that the loan was refused on the ground that the urban council had not provided a water supply; and whether, in view of the fact that these schemes stand each on its own basis, the Local Government Board will afford all assistance necessary to carry out the cottage scheme?

Mr. BIRRELL

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to previous similar questions on this subject. The Local Government Board have recently addressed a letter to the urban district council drawing attention to complaints which have been received by them regarding the delay on the part of the council to provide a proper water supply for the town, and intimating to the council that unless they proceed to take prompt and definite action to carry out a waterworks scheme for the district, the Board will have to direct an inquiry into the representation of default which has been made to them in the matter, in accordance with the provisions of Section 15 of the Public Health (Ireland) Act, 1896.

Mr. LYNCH

Is it fair, in view of the fact that these schemes stand, each on its own basis, to block a scheme on which there is entire agreement in order to force a scheme about which there is great difference of opinion?

Mr. BIRRELL

My Report states that the water supply was in a lamentable condition, and I really cannot allow any other scheme to take precedence. If proper provision can be made for the water supply and the two schemes can proceed concurrently, I dare say there will be no objection.