HC Deb 28 March 1895 vol 32 cc341-2
MR. HAYDEN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(1) whether it is in accordance with the regulations governing such appointments that Dr. Dillon, J.P., Dispensary Medical Officer, and Medical Officer of Strokestown Workhouse, should canvas for proxy and other votes at the recent election of Poor Law Guardians; (2) whether this is the same gentleman whose conduct in his dual capacity of doctor and magistrate was censured last year; and (3) what steps he proposes to take in reference to his action?

MR. J. TULLY

said, that before the right hon. Gentleman answered the question he desired to know whether, as the first paragraph of the question assumed, without asserting, that the gentleman referred to had done the acts complained of, the right hon. Gentlemen had received from that gentleman a telegram, a copy of which he (Mr. Tully) had got, and which stated— Both paragraphs of question to be asked to-night concerning me utterly false. Never canvassed and was not canvassed.—Dr. DILLON.

MR. J. MORLEY

I cannot answer the question put by my hon. Friend, but I shall bear these facts in mind. With regard to the question on the Paper, no complaints have been made to the Local, Government Board with reference to the alleged canvassing for votes on the part of Dr. Dillon. There is nothing in the Board's Regulations bearing on the matter, but they have always informed Union Officers that they do not consider they should interfere in Poor Law Elections beyond exercising their right to vote, and their privilege of nominating candidates. (2) The Board have no official record as to the alleged censure on this gentleman last year. (3) The question has been referred to the Clerk of the Union, who has been asked if he has received any information as to the charges made against Dr. Dillon.

MR. HAYDEN

I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in reply to a question of mine last year, he did not express a strong disapproval of the conduct of Dr. Dillon?

*MR. J. MORLEY

I do not remember.

MR. HAYDEN

I will put another question on the subject.