§ MR. LEAasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If his attention has been drawn to the useless expenditure incurred by the ratepayers in rural districts in Ireland by the working of the Explosives Act of 1875; if inspectors are really required, if it is not practicable to appoint the police to carry out the almost nominal duties; and, if the Government will sanction the transfer of the duties to the police, if magistrates at petty sessions courts appoint the constabulary as inspectors?
§ MR. TREVELYANMy attention has been previously drawn to this subject, and again by my hon. Friend's Question. The Government do not consider the expenditure incurred under the present system to be useless if the Inspectors appointed by the local authority discharge their duties; but they have considered the hon. Member's suggestion that the police should be appointed; and if the consideration of the matter by the local authorities be favourable, I hope that we shall be able to permit it.