MR. O'BRIENasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland What decision the Local Government Board have come to with respect to the Resolution of the Boyle Board of Guardians calling for the recision of the appointment of John M'Williams, as rate collector of the Croghan Division; whether their attention has been drawn to the omission of the clerk of the Union to explain his admission that he had inserted 8d. in the advertisement as the poundage rate without the authority of the Board; and, whether they have also taken cognizance of the fact that M'Williams had been acting gratuitously as the deputy of the previous rate collector, Corry, and that Corry's resignation was in M'Williams's handwriting?
§ MR. TREVELYANThe Local Government Board have not yet come to a final decision in regard to the appointment of Mr. M'Williams. An explanation has been received from the Clerk of the Union as to the rate of poundage which he advertised. He states that he advertised for a Collector at the rate previously paid in the district, as he had not received any instructions to reduce it; and he denies that he admitted having fixed the amount without authority.
MR. O'BRIENIn reference to the observations of the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask if the Clerk draws a distinction between "authority" and "instructions?" He admits that he had no instructions from the Board, and the only order made by the Board was accepted, and he, after that order, took upon himself to insert the rate of 8d. in the pound.
§ MR. TREVELYANSir, I gather from the answer I have received that he advertised for a Collector at the rate which had been previously paid. If the hon. Member wishes to put another Question on the subject on the Paper I will answer it.