§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the form of accounts for county councils and district councils; whether, in keeping one set of accounts, i.e., the rates account, the clerk of the county council has to enter up for every ratepayer in the comity twenty-two columns across the ledger; and whether, as this form of account keeping will mean an immense increase in the staff required to keep the accounts of the county, Le will consider the advisability of immediately recalling this order and issuing a simpler form.
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURThe reply to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. With reference to the second paragraph, it is estimated that not more than one-half the columns will require to be filled as regards each rating, and each name will only have to be entered once in each half-year. It is difficult to see how the account could be simplified consistently with the provisions of the Local Government Act and the Orders in Council, but if any county council can suggest some simpler plan which will serve the purpose equally the Local Government Board will be prepared to consider it.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLWhy could not the old system have been kept in force?
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURBecause it was not consistent with the Act.