§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether it is true that the Local Government Board have, without previous inquiry, but solely on the letter of a local landlord to the Board of Guardians of Longford Union, closed the Ardagh Burial Ground by sealed order; (2) whether such action is in accordance with the law; and (3) was the scaled order brought before him for approval before being issued?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURIn August 1892, the Guardians of the Longford Union, acting as the Burial Board, asked the Local Government Board to hold an Inquiry into the condition of the two burial grounds in Ardagh, and the Inquiry was held in December of the same year. With reference to the second paragraph, I have to state that the requirements of Section 163 of the Public Health Act were duly complied with in this case. The answer to the third paragraph is in the negative. It was not until the Board found that their continued efforts to induce the Guardians to take steps to provide a fresh burial ground were fruitless, that they made their dosing order on the present occasion.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a communication from the Guardians slating that in their opinion there was abundant room in the churchyards had been received?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURYes; but an Inquiry was held by the Local Government Board, and I gather that in their judgment as to the fact there was no doubt whatever.