§ 13. Mr. SHEEHANasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the committees of management of the Cork and Down district asylums and the Irish branch of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children have adopted resolutions urgently requesting the Government to extend the provisions of the Mental Deficiency Bill to Ireland; whether a considerable annual Grant is proposed for carrying out the objects of the measure in England; whether the necessity for similar legislation and Treasury assistance is equally urgent in Ireland; and will he say what action it is proposed to take on the representation of public authorities competent to pronounce on the subject?
§ Mr. RUSSELLMy right hon. Friend has received several resolutions and representations in favour of the extension of the Mental Deficiency Bill to Ireland and he is aware that there are also objections in some quarters to its extension. He is giving the matter very careful consideration and would be very pleased if an agreement were come to on the subject.