§ MR. REDDY (King's County, Birr)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that complaints are constantly being made as to the manner in which the tolls and weighbridges in the town of Birr are managed; and if, having regard to the injury sustained by the public through the causes mentioned, he will take any steps to enable the District Council to become the owners of the tolls and weighing machines, so as to ensure that the weighing machines will be kept in proper order, and the tolls managed in a satisfactory way.
§ MR. ATKINSONNo complaints have been made to the Department of Agriculture on this matter. In reply to the 882 second part of the Question, the Urban District Council of Birr is already authorised under Section 31 of the Local Government Act, 1898, to purchase the franchise, or right to hold a market or fair, whether under Statute, letters patent, or otherwise.