HC Deb 21 September 1893 vol 17 cc1778-80
MR. JESSE COLLINGS (Birmingham, Bordesley)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the Herefordshire County Council received a Memorial from certain labourers at Upton Bishop who seek allotments, and that the said Council failed to hold a local inquiry as directed by "The Allot- ments Appeals Act, 1890," although the Memorial has been before the Council for over six months; and whether the Local Government Board will take such steps as may be necessary to secure the carrying out of the provisions of the Act?

THE SECRETARY TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Sir W. FOSTER,) Derby, Ilkeston

It appears from the communication which the Local Government Board have received from the Herefordshire County Council that a Petition was received by the County Council in February last, signed by seven persons in the parish of Upton Bishop, alleging that the Rural Sanitary Authority had failed to acquire land for allotments in that parish. The Petition was considered by the Standing Committee on the 22nd of February; and as they were satisfied that the Rural Sanitary Authority were doing their utmost to comply with the demand, they resolved that the question of proceeding on the appeal should be deferred pending the result of negotiations then taking place between the Rural Sanitary Authority and the landowners of the parish. Communications have been received from the Sanitary Authority to the effect that the negotiations are still proceeding. The subject will again be considered by the Committee on the 27th instant, when a further communication from the Sanitary Authority is promised. The Local Government Board have no jurisdiction whatever with regard to the proceedings of the County Council in this matter.

MR. JESSE COLLINGS

Though they have no power, can they send a special communication to the Local Authorities pointing out their duties under the Acts?

SIR W. FOSTER

Unfortunately the Allotments Acts do not give the Local Government Board jurisdiction in the matter, but all representations that can be made to the County Council in the interests of the labourers will be urged by the Local Government Board.

MR. RADCLIFFE COOKE (Hereford)

Is the hon. Member aware that to some extent the reason why the authority in that particular parish do not act is because there is a difference of opinion among the labourers there as to the pieces of land that should be acquired?

SIR W. FOSTER

I am not aware of that.