§ Mr. LEWISasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, What is the amount due to the Government from the Corporation of Limerick for extra police; when such debt was incurred; when was judgment recorded against the Corporation for the amount; whether the Corporation continues to resist payment of the demand; whether it is the fact that the Lord Lieutenant, some time since, invited the Corporation to a meeting to discuss a possible compromise or arrangement; whether the Corporation refused to attend such meeting; whether the Government has, for nearly a year past, allowed the matter to rest, and the judgment of the Court in its favour to remain unexecuted; and, whether the Government has enforced, and received payment, from other Irish municipal bodies of similar claims, incurred at the same time, under similar circumstances, under the same Law?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThe net amount due by the Limerick Corporation for extra police down to the last presentment made, and exclusive of a sum of nearly £400 due for detachments sent into the city on occasional emergencies, is £1,305 5s. 3d., and the charge has been accruing since October, 1881. The position of the Irish Government in the matter, and their views as to the mode in which payment should be enforced, have been frequently explained, and have undergone no change. It was not until late in last year that 652 the situation was exactly defined, and no opportunity has since offered for obtaining the legislative powers necessary to carry out the proposals of the Government. I trust, however, such an opportunity will soon arise. Other Municipal Bodies have become liable to similar claims; but it has never been necessary for the Government to resort to extreme powers with a view to enforce payment.
§ MR. LEWISasked if the right hon. Gentleman was prepared to state when it was intended to introduce the necessary legislation on the subject?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANNo, Sir; I cannot say when.