HC Deb 03 July 1884 vol 289 c1863
MR. BIGGAR

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that at the road sessions held in Ballyconnell, county Cavan, on 19th June, the presiding magistrates being Captain Roe and Mr. David Finlay, a contract was agreed to at one shilling per perch for repairing a road in the neighbourhood of Blacklion, while another person tendered at nine-pence per perch; and, have the ratepayers any remedy if dissatisfied with the contract entered into?

MR. TREVELYAN

I am informed that the facts are as stated. The magistrates, on the recommendation of the County Surveyor, gave the contract to the former contractor, who had always kept the road well. They considered the lower tender, offered by a less experienced man, to be too low. The Presentment Sessions are not bound to accept the lowest tender; and I am advised that they could not be interfered with.

MR. HEALY

Is it not a fact that the principle of the Grand Jury is to accept the lowest tender?

MR. TREVELYAN

I am told there are cases in which they accept a higher tender.