HC Deb 10 July 1899 vol 74 cc317-8
MR. DAVITT

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General for Ireland whether the Order of the Irish Local Government Board, fixing the area of charge in the matter of Castlerea, Claremorris, other local water and sanitary improvements over the respective unions in which these towns are situated, is according to law; and if he will kindly say what specific law compels a ratepayer living 15 miles away from the enjoyment of a possible advantage from such expenditure to contribute towards these water and sanitary improvements.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. G. W. BALFOUR,) Leeds, Central

In the absence of my right hon. friend I will reply to this question. The Local Government Board claim to exercise this power under the 232nd Section of the Public Health Act, 1878. Doubts have been expressed as to the validity of the Order mentiond, and, as stated by me in the Debate on the Estimates, the matter is now under consideration by the Government.

MR. DAVITT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how soon we may expect the decision?

MR. G. W. BALFOLTR

Well, I think it will be found necessary to invalidate the Order by law.

MR. DILLON

I hope we shall have good notice of what is to be done.