HC Deb 25 February 1918 vol 103 cc1103-4
66. Mr. O'DONNELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the building Grant offered by the Estates Commissioners to Mrs. M'Carthy, Ventry estate, Dingle, has been considered wholly inadequate by the Congested Districts Board, which now has charge of the estate ; whether the Congested Districts Board, with this knowledge before it and with power specially given to it by law, refuses to carry out work which it recognises as absolutely essential; and whether, if neither body takes this matter up, Mrs. M'Carthy is to start without a home?

Mr. SAMUELS

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply to his previous question on this matter on the 21st February. The amount of the Grant to be given for buildings under the Evicted Tenants Act rests entirely with the Estates Commissioners. They considered £40 sufficient, and declined to give any more. The Congested Districts Board are not prepared to supplement this Grant.

Mr. O'DONNELL

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that under the Act of 1907 it is entirely in the hands of the Congested Districts Board to supplement the Grant if they consider it inadequate?

Mr. SAMUELS

I am informed that the Congested Districts Board have considered this case, and they do not think it is one for supplementing.

Mr. O'DONNELL

Is it not the fact that the inspector of the Congested Districts Board working in that district has stated that the Grant is wholly inadequate; will the Board, then, take any steps to improve it?

Mr. SAMUELS

I have no further information.