HC Deb 27 May 1897 vol 49 cc1414-5
MR. FLAVIN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that Kerry is the heaviest taxed county in the United Kingdom, and that white gloves were presented on several occasions lately to the County Court Judge owing to the absence of crime; and whether, as the county is in a peaceable condition, a further reduction will be made in the extra police force so as to give immediate relief to the ratepayers?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I am not aware whether Kerry is the heaviest taxed county in the United Kingdom, though I believe it is a fact that the county cess is higher there than in any other county in Ireland. The poor rates are levied by unions, and it would take some time to compare the incidence of these rates with the poor rates in other counties. Arrangements have been made consequent upon the continued improvement in the state of Kerry, to reduce the extra force of police stationed in the county to seven men, and it is hoped that after a short time these also can be dispensed with.

MR. FLAVIN

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that the First Lord of the Treasury had stated that Kerry was the heaviest taxed county in Ireland.

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order ! The hon. Member must not make it a practice to comment on the answers he receives.

MR. FLAVIN

It is because he denies facts. [Loud cries of "Order !"]

MR. D. KILBRIDE (Galway, N.)

asked whether it was a fact that in the barony of Corkaguinny the taxes were 13s. 6d. in the pound, and that in the barony of Ivereagh—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order ! Notice should be given of a detailed Question.