HC Deb 01 June 1894 vol 25 cc163-4
MR. ROSS (Londonderry)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that an inquiry held before Mr. Cotton, C.E., Local Government Board Inspector, at Naas, on the 10th of February, 1894, on the application of the Naas Rural Sanitary Authority for a Provisional Order to empower them to take land the property of Sir E. D. Burrowes compulsorily for a sewage farm, the proceedings were adjourned on terms of payment of costs and expenses of adjournment to the owner, and that the proceedings were afterwards abandoned; will he explain on what grounds the Local Government Board refused to direct any of the costs and expenses of the owner to be paid; and will the matter be reconsidered?

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. J. MORLEY,) Newcastle-upon-Tyne

The inquiry referred to was held as stated and adjourned to the 24th of February, it being understood that reasonable costs in appearing at the adjourned inquiry should be given to Sir E. D. Burrowes, the owner of the land. Meanwhile, the Guardians de- cided to let the scheme drop, and the adjourned inquiry was not held. No costs, so I am informed, would be given had the inquiry terminated on the 10th of February, and costs cannot be claimed for re-appearing at an adjourned inquiry, inasmuch as it never took place. In these circumstances, the Local Government Board declined to sanction the payment of any costs.

MR. ROSS

Then has this owner of land no remedy?

MR. J. MORLEY

No, Sir; the Local Government Board inform me costs cannot be allowed. I am not sure whether the Guardians did not give him notice in writing that the scheme had been abandoned.

MR. ROSS

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire further into the matter?

MR. J. MORLEY

I will if the hon. Member desires.