§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state (1) on what grounds Major Fair was selected to hold the inquiry into the proposed amalgamation of Granard Union, (2) whether he is aware that, since his appointment as inspector of this Union, Major Fair has persistently found fault with the management by the guardians, (3) whether any report was received by the Local Government Board from him advising the Board to add the question of amalgamation to that of separating the five Cavan divisions from the Granard Union, (and 4) whether some opportunity will be afforded to those who oppose the amalgamation of placing their views before the Local Government Board before a decision is come to.
§ MR. WYNDHAMMajor Fair was selected as being the inspector of the district comprising this union. He has from time to time reported adversely on the management of the union by the guardians, but the Board consider that these reports were fully justified by the facts. The Board considered it desirable that the inquiry held should embrace also the proposal of the Cavan County Council to alter the union by adding a portion of it to the Cavan Union. The answer to the last inquiry is in the affirmative.
§ MR. T. M. HEALYDoes the right hon. Gentleman think it fair to have the inquiry conducted by the very inspector who has several times reported adversely against this union?
§ MR. TULLY (Leitrim, S.)Is it not Major Fair's desire to wipe out this union?
§ [No answer was returned.]