§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether, in view of the great advantages derived by many persons suffering from bites of rabid dogs from the cures possessed by the McGowan family of county Cavan, he will direct the Auditor of the Local Government Board to pass as items of necessary public expenditure the fees paid for sending persons to these men to be treated and in every case cured?
§ *MR. GERALD BALFOURI am not sure that the Local Government Board have any power to interfere with the discretion of their Auditor in reference to the course which should be taken by him in dealing with payments of this kind.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLasked, whether it was the fact that 'many Conservative Boards of Guardians were in favour of giving this family payment for their work?
§ *MR. GERALD BALFOURIt may be so. The facts have not come before me.
§ MR. PATRICK M'HUGHasked whether the right hon. Gentleman himself had power to interfere in the manner suggested?
§ *Mr. GERALD BALFOURNo, I have not.
§ MR. PATRICK M'HUGHasked whether any other Member of the Government had such power?
§ *MR. GERALD BALFOURreplied in the negative.