§ MR. MACNEILLOn behalf of the hon. Member for North Louth (Mr. T. M. HEALY), I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, at the late sworn inquiry into the election of Guardians for the Macroom electoral division of Macroom Union, the medical officer of the workhouse, Dr. R. Barrett, J.P., admitted having canvassed several voters and property-owners for their support for his friends; (2) whether this is consistent with the duty of a union official; and (3) whether the Local Government Board intend to take any action in consequence.
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR,) Leeds, CentralThe fact is as stated in the first paragraph. There is nothing in the regulations prohibiting a union official from taking part in connection with union elections, but the Local Government Board have always expressed the view that any person receiving a salary from the rates ought not to interfere in such elections beyond the exercise of his rights of voting, and of nominating a candidate. The Board have communicated this view to Dr. Barrett, and requested that he would be good enough to bear it in mind in future.