§ MR. WILLIAM ABRAHAMI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is the intention of the Local Government Board for Ireland in the case of Cork county to divide the same into two ridings, and establish a county council for each; if one secretary only will be appointed for both county councils; and will the place of meeting be fixed by each council?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURClause 44, Sub-section 1, of the Local Government Bill enables the Local Government Board, within six months after its passing, to divide the county of Cork into two ridings, and it is the intention of the Board, unless they find that there is a preponderance of local opinion against the division, to carry this provision into effect. In such case, the Secretary of the Grand Jury would, under Clause 72, Sub-section 7, become secretary of both councils at the passing of the Bill, though after the adjustment of accounts other arrangements might be made if found expedient. By Clause 66, the question of the place of meeting of the county councils, in the event of division, could presumably be determined by the Local Government Board.
§ MR. W. ABRAHAMHow does the right hon. Gentleman propose to ascertain the view of the county of Cork on this matter?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI am not prepared to state in what way, but the views of representative bodies will be obtained.
§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)Will the two Ridings be on the existing divisions, or is it proposed to divide the county into two equal parts?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURI should think that the existing divisions will be taken.