§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Wexford, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he will state what steps he proposes to take to enable Irish County Council desirous of so doing to 998 revert to the system of half-yearly meetings and half-yearly reports, and when he proposes to take action in the matter. And if he will consider the advisability of extending for two years the warrants of rate collectors, as was formerly done with the warrants of high constables under the grand juries.
§ MR. WYNDHAMA Bill has been drafted amending the Local Government (Ireland) Acts, 1898–1901, which contains a clause empowering County Councils, with the consent of the Local Government Board, to hold half-yearly meetings. I hope to be able to introduce this Bill at an early date. It has been decided in the High Court that the effect of Section 73 of the Act 1 & 2 Vic. cap. 56 is to keep in force for the recovery of poor rate the powers given to Cess Collectors by the repealed sections of the Grand Jury Act, 1836, but the question as to the period for which collectors' warrants at present may remain in force has not yet come before the Courts.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLIs this the same Bill as was circulated last year?
§ MR. WYNDHAMNo, I believe there are several matters in it which were not contemplated last year.
§ MR. J. P. FARRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman circulate it soon, so that the Irish Councils may have an opportunity of considering it?
§ MR. WYNDHAMI will consider that. It might be done if the Bill were read a first time.