§ MR. MURNAGHANI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether ho is aware that the Local Government Board recently submitted to the boards of guardians in Ireland a tender form for medicine contracts containing a provision to compel boards of guardians to return all empties or pay full value of same, the Local Government Board at the same time refusing to contribute from the grant in aid a proportionate share of the cost in connection with the proposed arrangement; and inasmuch as the present custom relieves boards of guardians of responsibility in 1588 the matter, will he suggest to the central authority the desirability of omitting from the tender form the provision referred to.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe provision referred to was inserted in the form of tender in consequence of the negligence of union officials in returning empties. The arrangement appears to be an equitable one.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLWhy do the Board take such interest in these contractors?
§ MR. T. M. HEALYBecause they are Protestants and Freemasons.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe hon. Member misconceives the object. It is to get the best medicines at the lowest price.
§ MR. MURNAGHANHas any complaint been made of the quality of the medicines?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI understand there- were complaints as to some