HC Deb 08 January 1894 vol 20 cc1025-6
MR. SEXTON

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in view of the approaching Poor Law elections, whether any decision has yet been come to on the question of the qualification of Poor Law Guardians in Ireland; and, if so, what is to be the qualification in future?

MR. J. MORLEY

The Local Government Board, by my direction, have given instructions for the preparation of an Order under Seal reducing the rating qualification for the office of Guardians to £12 for all Unions, Electoral Divisions, or Districts of Electoral Divisions, in which the qualification at present fixed exceeds that amount. This Order will shortly be communicated to Boards of Guardians, and will take effect at the approaching general election of Guardians.

MR. BYLES (York, W.R., Shipley)

Why this differential treatment between England and Ireland?

MR. J. MORLEY

There is also a differential treatment in the matter of rates.

MR. SEXTON

Does the right hon. Gentleman forget that the qualification in England is only £5.

MR. J. MORLEY

There are places in Ireland where the qualification is much lower than £12. But the average in London is, I believe, something like £20, and I conceive that a reduction of the maximum from £20 to £12 is a very considerable step in the right direction.