§ Mr. J. P. FARRELLasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why the loans for the erection of working men's dwellings at Granard has not yet been sanctioned; whether the inquiry took place so long ago as June, 1911; whether some twenty houses, at present in a most dilapidated state, were then condemned as wholly unfit for human occupation; and what steps he intends to take to expedite the completion of this scheme?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe inquiry was held at the time stated, and evidence of the nature referred to was given as to the existing houses. The council were seeking compulsory powers of purchase involving the appointment of an arbitrator, and it was necessary that the statutory requirements relating thereto should be fully complied with, and it was also found necessary to amend the original plans submitted, which gave rise to much delay. A sealed Order is now in preparation approving of the appropriation of one of the sites acquired for another purpose to housing purposes. This Order will be issued very shortly, and the Local Government Board will then be in a position to sanction a loan.