§ Mr. COWANasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the Congested Districts Board for Ireland is financing two coopers, named Hugh M'Bride and Patrick Gallagher, who are carrying on the business of fish curers, under the name of M'Bride and Gallagher, at Downings Bay, county Donegal, and who, while receiving from the Board wages which are a charge on the business retain any profits which they may make, while the Board is responsible for any loss that they may sustain; and, if so, whether such action is within the powers of the Congested Districts Board of Ireland?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. The Congested Districts Board have made experimental loans to Messrs. McBride and Gallagher, who are curing fish with the advice and guidance of the Board's fishery superintendent, instructors, and manager. The Board are empowered to make such experiments. Other persons have applied for similar loans, but have been refused, as the experiment with Messrs. McBride and Gallagher appears to be sufficient for present purposes.