§ Mr. FFRENCHasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Irish Board of Works have stopped all new loans except in special cases, such as buildings that have been damaged by storms or fire; is he aware that there are in Ireland six large firms, besides several smaller firms, engaged in erecting hay barns and other buildings under the Board of Works and employing a large number of hands; and, seeing that these workmen will be thrown out of employment, will he inquire into the matter with a view to the continuation of the loans?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Board of Works have not stopped all new loans, but in accordance with the directions of the 249W Treasury they have informed applicants for new loans under the Land Improvement Acts and the Land Law (Ireland) Act, 1881, that until further notice they are not prepared to entertain any such applications, except in cases where loans are urgently required owing to existing farm houses having become unfit for habitation on sanitary grounds or as the result of fire or storm. I am informed that the number of firms supplying hay barns and similar iron buildings is approximately as stated in the question, but the Board of Works are not aware of any firm whose business is confined to the supply of such structures.