§ MR. BIGGAR (for Mr. SMALL)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he can state the reasons why the Local Government Board in Ireland have not given any decisions on the cases reserved at the election of guardians for the Newry Division, although the particulars have been furnished to them more than a fortnight ago; whether he is aware that the returning officer has taken upon himself to declare certain candidates elected, although he might have waited for fourteen days from the 25th March; whether the Local Government Board will take steps to inform the candidates of their decisions on the reserved cases, and not permit the returning officer to keep them secret?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThere has been considerable pressure of election business at the Local Government Board; but I understand a reply will be sent to the Newry Memorialists to-day. The returning officer in this case made his return on the 5th instant, and there does not appear to be any reason why he should have delayed it longer. He is bound to send it in within 14 days.