HC Deb 30 June 1879 vol 247 c954
SIR ARTHUR GUINNESS

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether his attention has been called to the report in the "Freeman's Journal" (19th June) of a meeting of the North Dublin Board of Guardians, held on 18th June, in which it is stated that the chairman of that meeting refused to receive a notice of motion relating to the present high death rate in Dublin on the ground that such motion "would be a slur on the Public Health Committee of the Corporation;" and, whether the chairman was justified in doing so?

MR. J. LOWTHER

Sir, when my hon. Friend gave Notice of this Question I sent over to Ireland for information, which, however, I have not yet had time to receive. I cannot, therefore, say how far the report alluded to is correct; but I understand it is the duty of the Chairman of a Board of Guardians to put any question to the meeting which has reference to the administration of the Poor Law. As to whether this particular question came under the category I cannot at present say. It would, however, I apprehend, be no part of a Chairman's province to consider whether or not a resolution constituted a reflection upon any other public body.