HC Deb 10 November 1884 vol 293 cc1367-8
MR. DEASY

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether it has been brought under his notice that the rate collectors in the Bantry Union, county of Cork, have, by direction of Mr. Payne, Chairman of the Board, and also agent to Lord Bantry, compelled tenants on the Bantry Estate under £4 valuation to pay Poor Rate, without having first attempted to put in force section 2 of 6 and 7 Vic. c. 92; whether Mr. Payne, acting as Chairman of the Board, declined to put a resolution to the Board— Requesting the attendance of the rate collectors at the first meeting of the Board in each month, as required by paragraph 6 of Article 49 of the General Regulations; whether the Local Government Board will inquire into the conduct of the rate collectors; and, what notice will be taken of Mr. Payne's conduct?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

This matter has been very fully before the Local Government Board, who have had explanations from the rate collectors which show that they did not act in the manner alleged. They say that they demand the rates from the immediate lessors who are rated; but that in some few instances the tenants have come in and paid voluntarily. There is no evidence before the Board that the collectors exceeded their powers; and as persons not legally liable to pay rates can protect their own interests and refuse to pay if asked to do so, the case does not call for any further interference on the part of the Board. With regard to the allegation that Mr. Payne refused to put a resolution from the chair, it appears that it was not until the clerk had declared the business of the Board to be concluded and the Chairman had actually left the chair that the resolution was proposed.

MR. DEASY

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that the persons compelled to pay rates in these cases are very small farmers, who are wretchedly poor; and I would ask him, further, if he would grant an inquiry into the facts of the whole matter?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I have already said that the Local Government Board looked very carefully into the matter, and found that there was no case for further inquiry.

MR. DEASY

Would the right hon. Gentleman send down a Local Government Inspector to hold an inquiry?

[No reply.]