HC Deb 04 July 1898 vol 60 cc922-3
MR. J. P. FARRELL

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received a communication from the Oldcastle Board of Guardians asking the Local Government Board to state definitely whether their circular letter of 7th March, 1898, has been correctly interpreted by the board in assuming that payment for spraying machines not paid for before delivery can be levied against the persons receiving the same in two equal instalments; whether he is aware that, on the strength of this circular, a great number of machines were ordered for the farmers: of Cavan, Meath, and Longford, who believed they would not be called upon to pay cash down for them, but would get them on the same terms as they got the seed potatoes; and whether, seeing that these machines are now likely to be left on the guardians' hands, to the great loss of the ratepayers, he will direct that the time for payment be extended to two instalments?

MR. ATKINSON

The communication referred to in the first paragraph has been received. Some 386 machines were ordered by the guardians of unions in the counties named, but with perhaps one exception the Local Government Board are not aware that the guardians of these unions were under any misapprehension of the circular of the 7th March, which was plainly to the effect that the loans issued to boards of guardians are repayable in two instalments, but that payment to the guardians must be made in cash before delivery, whether the machine be hired or sold. As regards the last paragraph, I must refer the honourable Member to my right honourable Friend's reply to the similar inquiry raised on the 14th ultimo by the honourable Member for East Mayo.

MR. J. P. FARRELL

Is the right honourable Gentleman aware that this arrangement for paying cash down is very inconvenient? Can it not be done in instalments?

MR. ATKINSON

I understand that the sum which has to be paid on hiring the machine is only 6d. or 1s., and I do not think it desirable or possible to arrange for that to be paid in. instalments.

MR. J. P. FARRELL

I was referring rather to the cases of purchasers of machines.