§ Mr. DEVLINasked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the disparity between the income of the working classes in Irish and in English towns, and the proved desire on the part of so many tenants in 1602W Irish towns to avail themselves of the provisions of the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act, the Government would facilitate an amending Bill to reduce the deposit required by one-half and to extend the period of repayment to a longer term than the present thirty years?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe town dwellers in Ireland have not shown any great desire to avail themselves of the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act, only 298 houses having been purchased under that Act during the last ten years, nor, so far as the Local Government Board are aware, is there any demand on the part of local authorities or of applicants for a reduction of the deposit or an extension of the period of repayment. There does not, therefore, appear to be any reason why special facilities should be afforded for further legislation on the subject.