§ Mr. JEREMIAH MacVEAGHasked the Chief Secretary whether in view of the fact that there are unexpended balances of the residue of the Exchequer contribution standing to the credit of the counties of Armagh, Down, Galway, Mayo, and Sligo, amounting to £25,302 13s. 3d., since before the passing of The Labourers (Ireland) Act, 1906, and in view of section 17 (2) The Labourers (Ireland) Act, 1906, which states that so long as the residue remains unexpended no portion of the purchase annuities payable by the council of any rural district shall be defrayed from the Labourers' Cottages Fund, the Local Government Board will be asked to distribute the residue at once, in order to lessen the loans for the erection of cottages prior to 1906?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe distribution of the unexpended balance mentioned was deferred, with the view of securing an equitable apportionment thereof, by affording the councils of the several rural districts in each of the counties named an opportunity of providing cottages in their respective districts. The matter is at present receiving attention, and it is expected that the distribution will take place at an early date.