§ 6. Mr. JOHN O'CONNORasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware whether it is intended by the Local Government Board of Ireland to issue an order to the rural district councils similar to the one issued to the urban councils, empowering them to provide and allot plots of land to town dwellers for the purpose of raising 771 additional food; and whether the Treasury Department intends to remove the restriction upon the operation of the Labourers (Ireland) Acts in so far as it concerns Section 16 of the Labourers (Ireland) Amendment Act of 1885?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Local Government Board have issued a circular to rural district councils pointing out the powers they possess under the Labourers Act of 1885 to purchase, or take on lease, by agreement, plots to be let in allotments to agricultural labourers in towns. I am not aware of the restriction referred to by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. O'CONNORIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Treasury has forbidden all building, and therefore has restricted the Labourers Acts to that extent, and in fact, has restricted the operations which could be applied to land without buildings at all?
§ Mr. DUKEI think the statement which my hon. and learned Friend has made is too general to be accepted. There are practical difficulties in the way. If the local authorities see their way to overcome the practical part of them I do not think the technical difficulties will be found to stand in the way.
§ Mr. O'CONNORWhy, therefore, is not a circular similar to the one issued to the urban councils also sent to the rural district councils, if there are no technical difficulties in the way?