§ Mr. FIELDasked the Chief Secretary whether he could state the number of labourers' cottages already built and occupied in Ireland; and how many are in the course of construction?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board inform me that on 31st March last 29,186 cottages had been built, of which 28,994 were occupied. Six thousand two hundred and forty-nine cottages are in course of construction.
§ Mr. LUNDONasked why the Local Government Board inspector refused to grant Michael Hartnett a cottage on the lands of Lackenagooneeny, Doon, county Limerick, although the local councils were unanimous in granting the cottage to Hartnett; and, having regard to the fact that Hartnett and his son have constant work just beside where this cottage is being built, will the Local Government Board see their way to alter the inspector's report and give this cottage to Hartnett, and not have him transferred to one three miles distant, where he will scarcely be able to get any work?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Local Government Board inform me that the site selected for the proposed cottage by the rural district council was rejected by the inspector as unsuitable. He, however, included in his Order another site in the same electoral division, but on appeal a further change was ordered by the County Court. The Board have no power to authorise the acquisition of another site except with the consent of all the parties interested in the lands affected.