§ MR. BIGGARasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it is a fact that the guardians of Manorhamilton Union have passed a Resolution proposing to lower the Poundage Rate for collection from ninepence to sixpence; whether the Local Government Board have refused to allow 1141 the proposed reduction to take place; if so, on what grounds; whether Allen Nixon, one of the collectors, has been decreed at Petty Sessions for getting paid twice over for same amounts; and, if so, whether he will be dismissed?
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, it is the fact, as stated by the hon. Gentleman in his Question, that the Guardians of the Manorhamilton Union have passed a resolution, proposing to lower the poundage rate for collection from 9d. to 6d., and the Local Government Board have declined to sanction the proposed reduction, as they are of opinion that, having regard to the length of time the collectors have been in office, the generally satisfactory manner in which they have discharged the duties, and the increased difficulties which of late have arisen in the collection, it would not be just to the collectors, or conducive to the interests of the Union, to reduce the poundage as proposed. With regard to the case of the collector, Allen Nixon, the Local Government Board have received a complaint stating that he summoned a man for rates which had been previously paid, and that he had been decreed in the manner mentioned; but I am informed that the second demand was made through accident, and, therefore, the Local Government Board have not dismissed him. With regard to the question of the poundage and the power of the Local Government Board, I shall be in Ireland soon, and shall think it my duty to make further inquiries, so that the hon. Member must not take my reply as final. As to Nixon also, I may say that, before taking any definite action, I have required the Guardians to forward explanations.