HC Deb 20 February 1902 vol 103 cc592-3
MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the cause of the delay in the publication of a detailed Irish Census.

*MR. NANNETTI

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this Question I would like to know if the delay, if any, is not caused by the exceptionally heavy alterations made in the proofs by the Census Office.

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

The delay has been caused, I am informed, by the failure of the contracting firm of printers in Dublin to supply revised proofs in proper time. Had it not been for this failure, a larger number of county books would have been published than at the corresponding date in connection with the Census of 1891. Representations have already been made to the Stationery Office in the matter, and further representations were made yesterday.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the published statement that the Census for several counties is completed, and that the delay is not due to the Census Department? Will he make inquiry?

MR. WYNDHAM

I have not seen the statement. I have given the House all the information in my power.

*MR. NANNETTI

was putting a Question about 144 pages of foolscap matter supplied each week by this firm, and also as to the heavy alterations on same, when

*MR. SPEAKER

called him to order, and said these were details which did not arise out of the Question.