§ MR. BIGGARasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Did Mr. Archibald Thomson, in his communications to the Local Government Board, Mr. Trevelyan, the President, or His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant, inform them, with other things, that, at the annual election for Town Commissioners at Bangor, county Down, 334 in October last, unqualified persons, being in arrear of rates, stood as candidates; and also that a large number of similar persons were entered on voters' list and voted; and, further, that in spite of written protests, the unqualified candidates were put forward and declared duly elected, and act as Commissioners; and, can the October election be held as valid if the facts are as stated by Mr. Thomson?
§ MR. TREVELYANA letter was received from Mr. Archibald Thomson in October last relating to the election of Town Commissioners at Bangor, and calling in question the proceedings in several respects—among others, the alleged non-payment of rates by candidates and voters. Mr. Thomson was informed, in reply, that the Local Government Board had no control in the matter. It is no part of my duty to express an opinion on the validity of an election. I am advised that if any person desired to impeach the election it should have been done in the manner and in the time prescribed by law.