HC Deb 21 February 1902 vol 103 cc718-9
MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will explain why the Commissioner of Valuation, on being asked by the Kerry County Council to revalue the Limerick and Kerry Railway, did not communicate his refusal to the council for over twelve months after the request was made; whether he is aware that the Kerry Council protested against this refusal, and believed that their protest was being considered; and as by the failure of the Commissioner to reply they were prevented from lodging an appeal in time, and in view of the charges borne by the county for railways, whether he will direct the Commissioner to comply with the demand of the Council.

MR. WYNDHAM

It is not the fact that the Council was prevented from appealing against the decision of the Commissioners of Valuation. On the contrary, it was open to the Council to appeal upon receipt of the Valuation Lists, which showed that a revaluation of the Railway was not contemplated. With respect to the concluding part of the Question, I am afraid I cannot supplement my replies to the two Questions the hon. Member has already put to me on the subject.

MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

Is it not the fact that the Commissioner did not communicate his refusal to the Council for over twelve months?

MR. WYNDHAM

Probably the hon. Member is aware that the Commissioner has had a great deal of work to do recently. But the Council had warning on which they could have acted, as there is a statutory right of appeal. I am afraid there is no remedy other than the one I have suggested.

MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL

But cannot the valuer reconsider the case, seeing that the Kerry County Council cannot influence the other rating authorities?

MR. WYNDHAM

There is no power to value the line separately.