§ Mr. HUGH LAWasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that it is nearly three years since the district council of Dunfanaghy framed a scheme for the building of labourers' cottages, and more than a year since the sanction of a county court judge was given to certain opposed portions of the scheme; whether any progress has since been made in carrying out the work; and, if not, can he state the reason of the delay?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe scheme in question was lodged with the Local Government Board on 16th May, 1908, and was provisionally confirmed by their inspector on 22nd August, 1908. Portions of the Order were petitioned against, as stated, but the Orders of the county court judge on these appeals were not all received until the 17th November. The district council1640W could then have applied for the appointment of an arbitrator to determine the compensation payable for the lands to be acquired under the scheme, but instead of doing so they have been endeavouring to come to terms with the parties interested. The responsibility for the delay rests with them, as the necessary loan was sanctioned in June last.