HC Deb 15 April 1889 vol 335 cc481-2
MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

asked the Solicitor General for Ireland whether Boards of Guardians in Ireland, except under the circumstances specified in Section 9 of 32 and 33 Vic., c. 41, had any power to issue requisitions other than Form No. 34 in 48 Vic. c. 17; whether circumstances had arisen in Belfast to justify the issue of the second requisition by the Belfast Board of Guardians, those circumstances being the actual rating of the owners or landlords, or their agreeing to become liable to the rates. Those circumstances being absent in the cases of rating above £4 5s., what authority have the Guardians to issue the new requisitions, and serve them at the public expense on owners or landlords of premises rated between £4 5s. and £9; and, whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the form used in England and the form to be used in Belfast differs in two important particulars, viz., that there is no mention in the Irish form of penalty, and no column relating to creation of present tenancy in the English form?

*THE SOLICITOR GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN,) University of Dublin

I do not know that it is the duty of the Local Government Board to give directions in such matters to Boards of Guardians, but I will make inquiry on the subject.

MR. SEXTON

intimated that unless something were done in the matter, and explicit instructions given to the Belfast Board of Guardians, when the Vote for he Local Government Board came on he would move its reduction.

*MR. MADDEN

The question of the way in which the Belfast Board of Guardians have used the public money, is a question that would properly come before the Local Government Auditor, subject to appeal.