§ 26. Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the price of coal in the cities and towns in Ireland is such a high price this winter that it is impossible for the poor to acquire a sufficient supply of it from week to week; and whether, on be half of the Government, he will take some steps by which they could obtain it at a reasonable price?
§ Mr. DUKEI would refer to the reply given yesterday by my hon. Friend the Secretary of the Board of Trade to the hon. Member for Belfast (West).
§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYDo the Government intend to help the poor at all this winter?
§ Mr. DUKEThe same difficulty, in a more or less aggravated degree, which arises in the towns and rural districts of Ireland in regard to this matter arises in various parts of the country. Every effort that can be made by the Irish Executive Government to ascertain what means there are for public encouragement or assistance and what can be done to stimulate local effort will be done.