HC Deb 14 July 1898 vol 61 c946
MR. FLAVIN

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the grand jury of the county of Kerry, who are at present sitting, have the power to enter into contracts for any period up to five years for the making and maintaining of roads, etc., within the county of Kerry; and whether he is aware that their secretary has issued an advertisement, bearing date 27th June, 1898, for new contracts for five years?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

The existing powers of the grand jury to adopt long term contracts for maintenance works cannot be interfered with until the Local Government Bill becomes law.

CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)

And will these contracts be binding on the new county councils?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

Yes, undoubtedly.

MR. FLAVIN

Have the Local Government Board issued any instructions in connection with these long term contracts?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

The Local Government Board has no power to do that, but I believe a suggestion has been sent out that such contracts should not be entered into where it can be avoided.

MR. FLAVIN

Is it fair that a county council should be bound by—

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The honourable Member must take some other opportunity of arguing the question.