§ MR. SALTasked the President of the Local Government Board, What number of Boards of Guardians have expressed a desire for the adoption of triennial 1630 elections; whether, under the existing Law, the process of changing the system of election is not needlessly expensive and inconvenient; and, whether he will introduce a Bill early next Session, or support a Bill to the effect that, in Unions where the triennial election may be desired by the Guardians, it may be adopted by a vote of a majority of the Guardians, after due notice given to the ratepayers, immediately before an election of Guardians (in such manner as may be approved by the Local Government Board), that such a proposal will be brought forward for decision?
§ MR. DODSONSir, in 41 Unions orders have been, or shortly will be, issued by the Local Government Board, authorizing a poll of owners and ratepayers as to whether there should be a triennial election of the Guardians. The orders are issued in consequence of applications received from the Guardians; and several other Boards of Guardians have made representations in favour of a triennial system. The process of changing the mode of election under the existing law no doubt involves some expense; but it has the advantage of affording the owners and ratepayers full opportunity of showing their wishes on the subject, and I may state that, in some instances, they have refused to consent to the change proposed. I will consider the suggestion made by the hon. Member; but I could not undertake to promise to introduce a Bill to give effect to it, or to support such a Bill if introduced.