HC Deb 10 April 1911 vol 24 cc193-4W
Mr. O'DOHERTY

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the allocation of the unemployment grant to the respective distress committees of Dublin, Londonderry, and Newry; whether he is aware that Newry has received a greater grant than Londonderry; and, if so, what is the explanation or basis of such allocation, seeing that the population of Londonderry is more than three times that of Newry, and unemployment and distress as prevalent?

Mr. BIRRELL

Out of the total of £5,000 distributed, Dublin received £3,182, Newry £250, and Derry £200. No application was received from the Londonderry Distress Committee until the 22nd March, at which date the allocation of the available balance of Ireland's share in the Parliamentary Vote of £5,000 was practically completed. Several fires in Newry in the middle of the winter accentuated the distress existing in the town.