§ MR. CLANCY(for Sir THOMAS ESMONDE) (Dublin Co., S.)asked Mr. Solicitor General for Ireland, If Boards of Guardians are bound to prosecute parties who refuse to return requisition forms properly filled up under the Franchise Acts; and, if so, how are they to be compelled to do so when they refuse; and, if they are not, whether it is competent for private individuals to prosecute?
§ THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN) (Dublin University)I have examined the Acts of Parliament dealing with the matter referred to in the Question. I find in them no provisions rendering it compulsory on the Board of Guardians to prosecute in the class of cases to which he refers. At the same time, it is quite clear that it is competent for them to do so. As regards private prosecutions, I find no provisions in the statutes enabling private individuals to prosecute. At the same time, I must not be taken as stating that no such prosecutions would lie. The matter may come for decision before a Court of Law, and I ought not to attempt to prejudge the matter.