HC Deb 12 May 1885 vol 298 cc350-1
MR. O'BRIEN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether he has observed a report in The Cork Heraldof May 2nd, that up to that date the clerk of the Mallow Union was still in doubt whether every owner and occupier of a dwelling-house, the valuation of which is under £10, is entitled to be registered as a voter; whether the clerk stated that he had applied to the Local Government Board for instruction upon the matter, and received a reply stating that it did not devolve on them to advise on questions as to the construction of the Franchise Act, and that on applying to the Chief Secretary he received a similar answer; whether it was stated that the rate collectors would find it impossible to serve the necessary forms on every inhabitant householder in the Union within the three weeks remaining after the clerk had satisfied his doubts by obtaining a legal opinion; who is responsible for the failure to comply with the requirements of the Law at an earlier date; and, what steps will be taken to prevent the threatened disfranchisement of persons entitled to be registered in the Union? At the same time I would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the resolution of the Youghal and other Boards of Guardians that it will be impossible to carry out the requirements of the Act in the time specified?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I have seen the report referred to. The Question correctly describes the position so far as the Local Government Board and the Chief Secretary are concerned. The Act throw the responsibility in these matters on the Local Authorities, and the clerk is liable to a penalty for each case of neglect. In the present instance I observe that the Board of Guardians referred the Question at issue to their solicitor, who, I have no doubt, will advise them properly.

Mr. HEALY

In case of the collection of penalties will the Government prosecute for them?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

There is a Question on the Paper relating to that matter.

MR. O'BRIEN

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of my Question. What steps will be taken to prevent possible disfranchisement?

MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I hope that there will be no disfranchisement.

MR. O'BRIEN

But does not the danger exist?