HC Deb 26 March 1900 vol 81 cc326-7
MR. FLAVIN

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney General for Ireland whether he can state on what grounds the Local Government Board have ordered the Kerry County Council to increase the salaries of their deputy surveyors from £80 to £150 per year.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. ATKINSON,) Londonderry. N.

The reasons which induced the Local Government Board to increase the salary of the county surveyor for Kerry, and which were explained by me in answer to the hon. Member's question of Friday last, are equally applicable to the cases of the assistant surveyors, whose salaries have also been increased by the Board as stated.

MR. FLAVIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the county council heard the evidence of these gentlemen and came to the conclusion there was no necessity to increase their salaries, as there was no increase of work? On what ground, therefore, did the Local Government Board, without consulting the county council, increase the salaries by 100 per cent?

MR. ATKINSON

The Local Government Board disagreed with the decision come to by the county council.

MR. FLAVIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the duties have actually decreased?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Member cannot proceed to argue the question.

CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Chief Secretary stated in this House this session that the county councils would be consulted in these matters?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! That is arguing the question.