§ 89. Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any of the reforms proposed by the Departmental Committee on Housing in Dublin have yet been carried out; if not, what steps he proposes to take to carry them out; and whether the three members of the Dublin City Council who received rebates in the rates in respect of property declared to be insanitary have refunded the amount of their rebates?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe matter is engaging the attention of the Government, but it will be impossible to introduce legislation on the subject during the present Session. The corporation have submitted several housing schemes under the existing Acts to the Local Government Board, which are now under investigation. The Board have no information as to the latter part of the question. Such refunds, if made by individual persons, would not come under the Board's notice until the auditor's report for the period covering them was submitted.
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this report was published four months ago, and have no steps been taken yet in reference to it? Will the Board take steps to find out whether these refunds have been made, and whether rebates are still being made?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIt is a matter for the auditors.
§ Mr. MOOREWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake that it will not be suppressed, as was done in the case of Sligo, where the Nationalists were not content with it?
§ Mr. BRADYIs it not a fact that the corporation of Dublin have done everything they can in the matter, having regard to their financial resources?