§ MR. S. HOARE (Norwich)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received a copy of the award of the Commissioners as to the division between the County 280 of Norfolk, and the City and County of Norwich, of the sums received for Probate and Licence Duty granted under the provisions of "The Local Government Act, 1888;" whether the award governs the adjustment of funds for a period of seven years, (namely, from 31st March, 1889), and further places the City and County of Norwich in a worse financial pssition than it would have been in had it formed part of the County of Norfolk; and whether such award is in accordance with the provisions of "The Local Government Act, 1888?"
§ *THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. RITCHIE,) Tower Hamlets, St. George'sI have received no copy of the award from the Commissioners, but my hon. Friend has been good enough to show me a copy. The award governs the adjustment for the period of five years from its date. As to the effect of the award on the County and County Boroughs of Norfolk, I am unable to express an opinion; but I do not doubt that it has been made in strict accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act. The Commissioners are acting under the express directions and authority of the Act. Their award is final; no power of review rests in the hands of the Local Government Board or any other Department.
§ *MR. S. HOAREIf it can be proved that the financial position of the County and City of Norwich is made worse than it would have been had it formed part of the County of Norfolk, are there any means of getting the matter reconsidered?
§ *MR. RITCHIENo; none whatever.