asked the Chief Secretary if his attention has been called to the deductions from the capitation Grant towards the cost of maintenance of lunatics in asylums, which entail loss upon county councils; and if he will take such steps as will ensure the payment of the full amount of 4s. per head per week?

I am aware that for some few years past the income of the Local Taxation Account, Ireland, has been unable to meet payments out of the account. The whole question of local taxation is under the consideration of the Local Taxation Committee, and I am not in a position to make any statement on the subject.