§ MR. H. CAMPBELL (Fermanagh, S.)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, What is the practice observed by the Poor Law Unions in regard to the conveying of the requisition forms to the ratepayers; is it the practice in some of the Unions to send these forms through the post, and in others by the rate collectors; and, in how many Unions either mode is adopted?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)I am unable to give a definite reply to this Question; but I am aware that in some Unions at least—whether they be the majority or otherwise I cannot say—the practice exists of sending these forms through the post. To obtain precise information as to the general practice it would be necessary to call for Reports from each of the 162 Unions, and would take about a week or 10 days to complete.
§ MR. H. CAMPBELLHow long would it take to obtain the precise information? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I put this Question down this day week; and that he refused to answer it on Friday, on the ground that he had not had sufficient time? I again put it down on Monday, and the right hon. Gentleman also refused to answer it for the same reason; and now he comes forward to-day and gives us practically no information. Are the telegraph wires not at his disposal; and is it impossible for him to get the information?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThis is not information to be got by telegraph.
§ MR. EDWARD HARRINGTON (Kerry, W.)asked, if it was the practice in Unions to send these forms by post and hand?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURIt is the practice in some Unions.
§ MR. EDWARD HARRINGTONHaving found that out, and being the Head of the Local Government Board, will the right hon. Gentleman cause inquiry to be made as to how many Unions this practice obtains in, and will he cause it to be discontinued?
§ [No reply.]
§ MR. CLANCY (Dublin Co., N.)asked the right hon. Gentleman whether, considering that every person who did not make a return in accordance with these forms was liable to a penalty of £2 for such omission, he would discontinue the practice of sending thorn by post?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURsaid, he was not aware that it was illegal; but if the hon. Gentleman desired he would obtain information as to the general practice in serving.
§ MR. CLANCYDid I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say the practice of sending them by post was illegal?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURNo.
§ MR. CLANCYMay I ask that, considering there is a penalty of £2 for every omission to return the form to be filled up, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of the rate collectors distributing them by hand instead of sending them by post?
§ MR. M'CARTAN (Down, S.)asked the right hon. Gentleman, was he aware that, under the Representation of the People Act of 1884, the duty was cast on the Clerk of the Union to have these requisitions served, and a penalty was imposed for neglecting to perform the duty; and that by the Act of 1884 the rate collectors were obliged to assist the Clerks of the Unions in serving them; and if, under these circumstances, he would take steps to have these requisitions served in future by the rate collector instead of money being wasted?
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI cannot promise to take the action mentioned; but I can promise to look into the matter, if the hon. Gentleman will put a Question on the Paper.