§ Sir THOMAS ESMONDEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will consider the question of facilitating the issue of county stock by Irish county councils to enable them to develop local industries and for other purposes; and if he will introduce legislation dealing with the question next Session?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI have not received representations from county councils which would indicate that there is a general desire that the county rates should be applied to the development of local industries, and in the absence of any such general desire I do not think the Government could undertake to consider the question of legislation for the purpose. I understand, indeed, that in many districts the existing burden upon local rates is already considered excessive.