MR. P. O'BRIENOn behalf of the honourable Member for the St. Patrick Division of Dublin, I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state if the Pembroke Commissioners gave any satisfactory explanation to the Local Government Board in the year 1882, or since, as to the serious defalcations which had occurred in the township accounts; whether, at the same time, there was a deficiency of £8,000 in addition to the defalcations; whether he is aware that the Board recently refused by the casting vote of the chairman to inquire into and report upon this matter; and whether a sworn inquiry will be instituted, so that a correct statement of township affairs may be given to the incoming district urban council?
§ MR. GERALD BALFOURA warrant was issued in 1883 against the absconding Secretary to the Pembroke Commissioners, who proved against his estate for £800, of which a sum of £605 has been realised. The Local Government auditor certified the amount due by the absconding bankrupt to be £1,159, and the Com- 1190 missioners recently instructed their solicitors to amend their claims to this amount. Owing to a low rate struck in 1882 liabilities exceeded assets in that year by about £8,000. The answer to the third paragraph is in the affirmative. No further inquiry such as suggested in the last paragraph of the Question is called for or necessary.