§ MR. FIRTHasked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether it is the fact that at the recent election of Vestrymen in Paddington the provisions of the Local Management Act, 1855, were entirely disregarded by the authorities of the parish, both as to the secrecy of the ballot and the method of voting, and whether, notwithstanding such irregularities, the authorities refuse to permit a scrutiny; and, whether, since the provisions of the Act are being violated all over the Metropolis, he is prepared to suggest the establishment of any authority able to control the action of these local bodies and to insure the enforcement of the Law?
§ MR. DODSONSir, representations have been made to me that at the recent election of vestrymen in Paddington the provisions of the Local Management Act, 1855, were disregarded by the authorities of the parish; but I have not inquired into the facts, as the Local Government Board have no jurisdiction whatever as regards these elections. No doubt, if, as alleged, the provisions of the law are generally violated all over the Metropolis, it is desirable that steps should be taken to remedy the evil; and the most fitting opportunity for doing this would appear to be when a Bill is introduced dealing with the question of the Local Government of the Metropolis.