MR. PATRICK O'BRIENI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that 2,500 voters have been struck off the voters' list in Waterford City for nonpayment of poor rates since October last because the rate notices were not served until about April, and that the people concerned did nut know that they should be paid before 1st July; whether he can say who is responsible in this matter; and whether he will take steps to save the 2,500 people concerned from being disfranchised through no fault of their own.
§ MR. G. W. BALFOURI am informed that some 2,700 persons have been omitted from the voters' lists prepared by the town clerk for the borough of Waterford, by reason of non-payment of rates. The rate notices referred to in the question were posted in April as stated, and the notices calling attention to the necessity for payment of the rates required by Section 30 of the Registration Act, 1850, were duly kept published from the 5th June to 1st July. All statutory requirements were, I understand, complied with. There are no steps which it is competent to the Government to take in the matter.