HC Deb 14 May 1901 vol 94 cc56-7
MR. WILLIAM ABRAHAM (Cork, N.E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that the Mallow District Council, in February last, recommended the appointment of Mr. James Byrne as arbitrator under the Labourers Acts in respect of the Mallow District Labourers Order, 1900 (Part 1), and that out of the number of eighty owners and occupiers who would be affected by the arbitration seventy-six voted for and only four against Mr. Byrne's appointment, but, notwithstanding this support by the interested parties on both sides, the Local Government Board have refused to appoint Mr. Byrne; and whether, in view of the fact that all the parties interested in and to be affected by the arbitration are practically unanimous, he will endeavour to give effect to that desire by the appointment of Mr. Byrne.

MR. FLYNN (Cork, N.)

May I at the same time ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in respect to the Mallow Rural District Labourers Order, 1900, whether he is aware that the district council adhere to their recommendation as arbitrator of Mr. James Byrne, J.P., and will he state upon what authority and on what grounds the Local Government Board seek to set aside that gentleman, and to appoint Mr. Leahy, of Newcastle West; and what are the special qualifications possessed by Mr. Leahy to fit him for the position of arbitrator in these proceedings.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. WYNDHAM,) Dover

Mr. Byrne resides within the rural district, and it is not the practice of the Board to appoint, as arbitrators, persons who are so directly associated with the locality. In the event of arbitration proceedings in neighbouring districts the question of selecting Mr. Byrne will be considered. In answer to the next question, Mr. Leahy is a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers. He has been previously employed as arbitrator.

MR. WILLIAM ABRAHAM

Was the objection now put forward to the appointment that which was submitted to the local authority?

MR. WYNDHAM

I cannot say. The objection appertains to the principle, and not to the person.

MR. FLYNN

What power have the Local Government Board to set aside the decision of a local authority?

MR. WYNDHAM

In all cases of arbitration it is usual to select an arbitrator who is not intimately connected with the matter in dispute.