HC Deb 21 February 1918 vol 103 cc923-4
13. Mr. O'DONNELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether engineering inspectors under the Labourers Act in Ireland are entitled, when inspecting cottages that have been repaired, to demand that they be accompanied by officers of the local district council at their own expense; and whether these officers, having accom- panied the inspector for weeks, are entitled to be paid for work which was never included in their contract with the local council and which the local council did not request them to do?

Mr. DUKE

Engineering inspectors have no power to demand or compel the architects or other officers of rural district councils to accompany thorn on their inspections. But, as the presence of the council's architects at the inspection is likely to be of advantage to the council, it is usual for the inspectors to notify these officers of the time of their inspection and invite them to be present. Where inspectors have been accompanied by officers of rural district councils not required to do so by the terms of their appointments it is open to the rural district council, with the Local Government Board's concurrence, to allow these officers reasonable expenses there for.

22. Captain SHEEHAN

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can now state the number of cottages which were erected under the Labourers (Ireland) Acts last year; whether any schemes are being at present proceeded with under these Acts; and the total number of cottages erected since the Acts first came into operation?

Mr. DUKE

On the 31st March, 1917, the latest date for which statistics arc available, the total number of cottages provided since the original Act of 1883 was 47,685, and 443 others were in the course of construction. This was an increase of 641 in the number built up to 31st March, 1916. Owing to the suspension of loans during the period of the War, proceedings in regard to the promotion of new schemes under the Labourers Acts have been to a great extent suspended.

Captain SHEEHAN

Are there any schemes being at present proceeded with?

Mr. DUKE

The answer is to the effect that existing scheme;; are being proceeded with, but the proposals for new schemes are suspended.